Bernadette Birk, mother of former The Real Housewives of New York City star, Bethenny Frankel, passed away recently due to lung cancer. Bethenny shared the news and paid tribute to her mother through a series of Instagram photos from their life together, each telling a story of their tumultuous but significant relationship.
Frankel's relationship with her mother was far from a fairy tale. Both women navigated a complex web of emotions, marred by Bernadette's struggles with an eating disorder, alcoholism, and abuse. Despite these hardships, Frankel remembers her mother as a person of brilliance, wit, culture, and wisdom.
The mother-daughter bond was strained further when Bernadette publicly criticized Frankel, labeling her a publicity seeker. This led to a separation between the two that lasted for a span of 12 years. It was not Frankel's decision to reconnect, however. Rather, the inspiration came from her daughter Bryn, who wished to connect with her grandmother.
Reconnection and Revelation
Frankel and her mother rekindled their relationship, making it possible for Bryn to know her grandmother. Little was known about Bernadette's passing, as she wished to keep it a secret. All she left behind was given to her granddaughter Bryn.
Frankel, diagnosed with postural tachycardia syndrome, an autoimmune condition, left the reality show on Bravo in 2023. She has since shifted her focus on her Skinny Girl alcoholic beverage business and hosting her podcast, Just B.
A Message to the Followers
In the wake of her mother's passing, Frankel had some advice for her followers. She urged them to reconcile with someone they have a troubled relationship with, a sentiment clearly reflected in her own relationship with Bernadette.