Bethenny Frankel reveals mother Bernadette Birk's passing from lung cancer: ‘You did all you could’

Bethenny Frankel mourns mom's death from lung cancer at age 73. "She was a complex, stunning woman who left her abusive home, just like I did," she wrote with throwback photos of her mom. She was amazing, but struggled with many vices and self-destructive behaviors. Despite her shortcomings, she loved me and I cherish the memories we shared.

Frankel endured unimaginable things under Birk's care, which no child should experience. Despite the hardships, she became resilient and capable of handling anything. The Skinnygirl founder, 53, said she reconnected with her mom for her 13-year-old daughter, Bryn, to know and love her. They both loved art. She had a friend, fulfilling my lifelong wish for her not to be alone.

Though selfish in life, she became selfless in death. She left her belongings to my daughter, wanted to be cremated, and only wanted me to know. Frankel said she felt her mother's passing, danced to "I'm Alive" in her favorite dress while she was dying. I miss the happy times with her, longing for the affection we shared. I mourn her loss, her life, her loneliness, and my childhood. I mourn her inability to be a mother, the most beautiful gift," she wrote. "Goodbye mom, Bonnie, Bernadette. You did your best and now you're free and at peace.

Frankel misses her "little girl mommy" but is grateful her teen daughter pushed to connect with her. The reality star asked followers to reach out to loved ones, even if the relationship is complicated. Other reality stars offered condolences in the comments. "Thanks for being honest and not sugar coating your relationship like many do. She was amazing to me! My condolences," wrote "Real Housewives of Miami" star Guedry Abraira. Sorry for your loss. Beautifully written. "Peace be with you ❤️," said Vicki Gunvalson from "Real Housewives of Orange County." "Sorry for your loss 🙏🏽," added Snooki from "Jersey Shore."

Frankel and her mom's relationship has been problematic, as Frankel has accused Birk of failing to be a mother figure and robbing her of a proper childhood. The "Just B" podcast host was raised by her stepfather John Parisella since she was 5."