Jill Zarin Mourns the Death of Her Mother Gloria Kamen at 91

Former “Real Housewives of New York City” star Jill Zarin is mourning the loss of her mother, Gloria Kamen, who died Tuesday at the age of 91.

Zarin shared the news on Instagram on Aug. 11, posting a collection of photos that captured moments from her mother’s life. In an emotional tribute, the 62-year-old reality TV personality called Gloria “my best friend, my mentor, and the most important person in my life.”

“For 68 years she was the heart of our family,” Zarin wrote, describing her mother’s marriage to her father and her dedication to her family and the values she believed in. She also remembered Gloria as a woman who was never afraid to speak her mind.

“She was everyone’s therapist, everyone’s voice of reason,” Zarin wrote.

Gloria and Jill, along with Jill’s sister Lisa, shared their family experiences and advice in the 2010 book “Secrets of a Jewish Mother.” The book offered readers a look at their relationship and the lessons Gloria passed down to her daughters.

Zarin also credited her mother with helping shape the women she and her sister became. She affectionately described Gloria as “the real OG housewife who raised incredible women and touched the lives of millions with her counsel and kindness.”

The tribute also focused on Gloria’s role as a grandmother and great-grandmother. Zarin said her mother leaves behind grandchildren Allyson, Jonathan, Joanna and Yotam, as well as her first great-grandchild, Abby.

“She absolutely treasured” Abby, Zarin wrote.

Zarin rose to fame as one of the original cast members of “The Real Housewives of New York City,” appearing on the Bravo series from 2008 to 2011. Throughout her career in television and business, she has often spoken about the importance of her family.

In her farewell to her mother, Zarin expressed gratitude for the family Gloria helped build and the lessons she passed on.

“She will be deeply missed and never ever forgotten,” Zarin wrote. “Thank you mommy for everything you did for me and giving me the most beautiful family.”

Zarin ended her message with a deeply personal reflection, saying her mother had always been right, even when it took her time to realize it.

“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,” she wrote.