Alma Wahlberg, Mom Of Donnie & Mark Wahlberg, Dead At 78
Alma Wahlberg, who is the mother of Donnie and Mark Wahlberg, has died aged 78.
Her cause of death was not provided, but her family previously shared that she had dementia.
"I know that so many of you have asked how my mom Alma is doing. During my visit, she didn't remember much, and was often confused, but somehow she was still Alma. She still lights up a room. She still made me smile," Donnie shared in July.
"She's still stubborn. And she still loves her baby Donnie. I thank you all, for your well wishes," he concluded.
His brother Mark shared the sad news on Sunday, April 18. "My angel. Rest in peace," the 49-year-old wrote on social media.
"I'm so blessed to have been brought into this world by, raised by, taught by and set on my life's path by, such an amazing woman. My mom Alma's joy for life, love and people — combined with a pride in her humble beginnings and refusal to forget where she came from — undoubtedly shaped me into the man that I am," Donnie wrote on Instagram with a two-minute video tribute.
"Like so many moms who struggled, overcame odds, made something from nothing and pulled off the impossible for their children, she never complained. She did what needed to be done, most often, with a smile. She made the best of times in the worst of times," he added.
Alma had nine children with late husband Donald Wahlberg; Arthur, Paul, Jim, Robert, Donnie, Mark, Michelle, Debbie and Tracey Wahlberg. Donald passed away in 2008 while Debbie died in 2003.
Paul, who is best known as a celebrity chef, opened his Alma Nove restaurant in Hingham, Mass., to honor his mother in 2010. Alma regularly appeared on the reality show Wahlburgers about the family burger chain.
Scroll down to see the reactions:
Jenny McCarthy
Donnie's wife, Jenny McCarthy "could not have asked for a better mother-in-law. Always kind, always made me feel loved and she will always be an inspiration to so many."
Alma Nove
Paul's restaurant in Alma's name said the matriarch's "sweet smiling face and her infectious personality will leave a hole in our hearts, but we will forever be thankful for the laughs and memories she left us with."
Wahlbonkers
A Wahlbergs fanpage said they were "desvestated to hear this sad news" and sent their "deepest condolences, love, light & prayers to all the Wahlberg family."
"She Was Strong"
One fan reminisced on how "strong, compassionate and selfless" Alma was.
