Jill Zarin is mourning the loss of her mother, Gloria Kamen, following her death at age 91.
“She was my best friend, my mentor, and the most important person in my life,” Zarin, 62, wrote via Instagram on Tuesday, April 11, confirming her mother’s death while sharing a series of photos featuring her mother over the years. “For 68 years she was the heart of our family — married to my dad [Sol Kamen], devoted to everything she believed in, and a relentless truth-teller in a world that needed her honesty.”
The Real Housewives of New York City alum, who revealed her mother died earlier that morning, called the late matriarch “everyone’s therapist” and “everyone’s voice of reason.”
“Our book Secrets of a Jewish Mother, shared our life stories and the wisdom that made her unforgettable,” Zarin continued, referring to the 2010 book she wrote with her sister, Lisa Wexler, and their mother.
Zarin called her mom the “real OG housewife,” pointing out that Gloria “raised incredible women and touched the lives of millions with her counsel and kindness.” (Gloria popped up on several episodes of RHONY from season 1 to 4 while Zarin was a main cast member.)
“My mom leaves behind a legacy that can’t be measured,” the Bravo star wrote. “Her wisdom, her strength, and her love will live on in her grandchildren, Allyson, Jonathan, Joanna, Yotam and her first great grandchild, Abby who she absolutely treasured.”
Zarin added that Gloria will be “deeply missed and never ever forgotten.”
“Thank you mommy for everything you did for me and giving me the most beautiful family,” she concluded, speaking directly to her mom. “You picked the best father I could ever ask for and you were always right about everything even if it took me a while to see it. ❤️.”
Zarin received an outpouring of love from her fellow Housewives and celebrity friends, including The Real Housewives of London star Juliet Angus.
“I’m so sorry, what an incredible woman and a beautiful, long life she lived. Love you, sending you lots of love. ❤️,” Angus, 50, replied in the comments section.
Comedian Heather McDonald added, “She was everything a mother should be! Consistent, smart, full of advice, beautiful and funny even when she didn’t know she was being funny. RIP Gloria.”
RHONY alum Bethenny Frankel responded as well, writing, “I am so sorry for this significant loss and wish your family peace and healing.”
Gloria is survived by her husband, Sol, their two daughters, their four grandchildren and one great grandchild.
