The Hollywood stars Mark and Donnie Wahlberg are in mourning right now after they announced the death of their mother Alma, who has passed away at the age of 78.
Entertainment Tonight reported that Alma had nine children with her ex-husband Donald Wahlberg: Donnie, Paul, Robert, Jim, Arthur, Tracey, Michelle, Debbie and Mark. She and Donald divorced in 1982, and he died in 2008.
Fans got to know Alma when she made appearances on her family’s A&E reality television show “Wahlburgers,” which was on from 2014 until 2019. The show chronicled the family as they ran their burger restaurant chain Wahlburgers.
Donnie took to Instagram on Sunday to pay tribute to his mother as a “warrior” and an “angel.”
“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,” Donnie wrote. “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.”
“I’ve often said, if you like anything about me, I got it from Alma. I say that, because it’s true. She was, without a doubt, the most loving human being I’ve ever known,” he added. “I never heard her say, or do, anything disrespectful to anyone. She was, as anybody who ever came across her knows, true blue.”
Donnie went on to add that Alma “pulled off the impossible” for her children.
“That was Alma — mother, sister, daughter, grandmother, friend, ally, warrior, angel,” he explained. “She made no apologies for who she was, but never put herself above anyone else. She kicked our butts if we messed up, kicked anyone else’s butts if they messed with us. Taught us right, made us pay the price when we were wrong.”
“It’s time to rest peacefully, mom. I love you, miss you, thank you and will celebrate you, today and always. Forever — your Baby Donnie #RIPAlma 🙏🏼🕊❤️😢,” Donnie concluded.
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Mark posted a more simple yet poignant tribute to his mother, writing, “My angel. Rest in peace” alongside a photo of Alma.
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Donnie had opened up about Alma’s health struggles on social media last summer.
“I know that so many of you have asked how my mom Alma is doing,” he said at the time. “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. She’s still stubborn. And she still loves her baby Donnie. I thank you all, for your well wishes.”
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