The Real Housewives of Orange County alum Lydia McLaughlin is shining a light on her late mom Judy Stirling’s private health struggles.
“My mom battled breast cancer for many years,” McLaughlin, 43, shared via her Instagram Story on Wednesday, October 23. “She lived 2 years longer than her Drs expected. … She was very private about being sick, she never wanted that to be part of her identity. She is the strongest person I’ve ever met and I have learned so much walking with her through this journey.”
The former Bravo star, who appeared on two seasons of RHOC in 2013 and 2017, said producers of the show found out about Stirling’s diagnosis at the end of filming season 12 but “were very kind to us” and kept the news private.
“My mom was my best friend. She was my favorite,” McLaughlin shared in a separate Instagram Story. “She was our world. I am so thankful to be her daughter. I feel so close to the Lord through this journey and I have no doubt she is throwing glitter in heaven. My heart is broken she isn’t with us anymore.”
On October 9, McLaughlin announced the death of her mom at age 76. Less than two weeks later, the Nobleman executive editor hosted an uplifting celebration of life with her mom’s favorite things including crepes, confetti and glitter.
“I am thankful for the outpouring of love and support,” McLaughlin wrote via Instagram on Thursday, October 24, with highlights from the special event. “I am grateful to not grieve alone. I am honored to be her daughter and will forever carry her in my spirit. ✨”
As McLaughlin continues to mourn the loss of her mom, she shared via social media that she is finding strength in her faith and a bible study focused on prayers of grief.
“I’m not an expert, but there’s no formula to grieve,” she wrote via her Instagram Story. “Be patient with yourself and let yourself feel all your feelings. One moment I’m ok, and the next I cry. … I am convinced I will be reunited with my mom. I know God is close to the broken hearted and He is close to me. He is close to you. Lean into His presence.”
The reality star also hopes fans can continue remembering her mom as a woman filled with love and joy.
After making a positive impression on RHOC viewers in just two seasons, both McLaughlin and Stirling were able to document their close bond through a Bravo digital series called Glitter Town.
“I can’t put into words what my mom means to me,” McLaughlin wrote via Instagram in February 2023. “She is the best mother, my best friend and whole world to my boys. She is a ball of joy and the definition of a free spirit. 💞I love you @ocjudymom. You are a miracle and I want to be just like you when I grow up.😘.”
