Bethenny Frankel Mourns Death of Her Once-Estranged Mother [Video]

Bethenny Frankel is mourning the death of her mother, Bernadette Birk, after the 73-year-old passed away Friday, April 13, following a battle with lung cancer. The Real Housewives of New York City alum, 53, reflected on her complicated relationship with her once-estranged mother over the years in a touching Instagram tribute following Birk’s passing.

“My mother has died of lung cancer,” Frankel began the lengthy caption of a collection of photos from throughout her mother’s life. “She was complex, in pain, isolated and had demons. She was the most stunning woman you have ever seen, who left her abusive home as quickly as I ran from mine. I was born on her bday.”

“She was brilliant, funny, cultured and wise – yet suffered a lifelong eating disorder, alcoholism, abuse, smoking, and self-destruction,” the Bravo alumcontinued. “Despite not being equipped to be a mother, she loved me and I have beautiful memories of her. She taught me …