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Big Ang ‘Was So at Peace With Death,’ Sister Janine Detore Says

In the last moments of her life, Mob Wives star Big Ang was ready to say goodbye, her sister Janine Detore exclusively told Us Weekly on Thursday, February 18. 

The reality star, who died peacefully at 3:01 a.m. on Thursday, was surrounded by her family and friends, Detore said.

“She was so at peace with death,” Detore told Us. “She was OK with it. She said she didn’t want to live being on the medicine, doing all that. She didn’t want to do that. And she said, ‘If it’s my time, it’s my time. Just tell me. I want to spend my time with the grandchildren and with my family.’ She wanted to be home and all that.”

Related: PHOTOS: Celebrity Deaths in 2016: Stars We’ve Lost

Big Ang (née Angela Raiola) had been battling two forms of cancer, as well as a second bout of severe pneumonia. She was first diagnosed with throat cancer last March after doctors discovered a lemon-sized tumor.

Two surgeries later, Raiola thought she was in the clear, but doctors later diagnosed her with stage IV lung and brain cancer.

Big Ang and Janine Detore
Big Ang and her sister Janine promote “Bigger Is Better: Real Life Wisdom From the No-Drama Mama in 2012

Detore explained that when Raiola went to the hospital on Monday, February 15, complaining that she felt unwell, no one realized how grave her condition was.

“Even when I called there on Tuesday, I said, ‘Put the phone by her ear, I want to tell her something,’” Detore recalled. “And I said, ‘You better be good! You better be good! … And she said to me, ‘I wanna come home.’ And those were the last words I heard.”

Related: PHOTOS: Stars Gone Too Soon

Since Raiola’s death, her fellow TV personalities have expressed an outpouring of sympathy and memories.

“Sorry to hear the news about #BigAng — she was a pisser — great laugh and a lot of fun. #RIPBigAng,” Bravo TV host Andy Cohen tweeted.

Big Ang
Big Ang

“Such a beautiful soul taken so quickly … we all love you big Ang. Your contagious personality will live on forever my love! Prayers for her family,” Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi captioned a throwback photo of the two of them.

Related: PHOTOS: Reality TV Tragedies: The Saddest and Most Shocking Deaths

“Big Ang was a larger-than-life personality that lit up every room she entered,” Dr. Oz shared via Instagram. “This week, she courageously shared her story with us and I was struck by her bravery and the overwhelming support of her amazing family. She’ll be sorely missed.”

Unbeknownst to Dr. Oz, his interview with Big Ang, which aired on Tuesday, February 16, was her last.

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