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Joanne Steinmetz, 83, was the spirited mother of Real Housewives of Orange County star Vicki Gunvalson. This season was a rough one for Vicki as she had to suffer the loss of losing her mother. Read on for the facts on Joanne Steinmetz.
1. She Had Five Children
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Vicki Gunvalson is one of five children. Joanne Steinmetz’s obituary reads:
On September 1, 1951 she married the love of her life, William J. Steinmetz. They made their home in Mount Prospect where they raised their five children. Joanne was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who will be dearly missed. She was affectionately known as “Nana” by her grandchildren … Loving mother to Kim Steinmetz, Kathy (William) Moloney, Victoria Gunvalson, Lisa (Terry) Bussenger, and William Steinmetz; proud Nana to Michael Wolfsmith, Briana (Ryan) Culberson, Kyle Bussenger, Nicole Bussenger, and Brock Bussenger; cherished Great-Nana Jo to Troy and Owen; and beloved sister to William Closset.
William Steinmetz, her husband, passed away from Alzheimer’s disease in 1997. They were married for 46 years.
2. Vicki Gunvalson’s Daughter Brianna Delivers The News Of Joanne’s Death
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On an episode of Real Housewives of Orange County, Vicki Gunvalson is at Shannon Beador’s house for game night with the girls, when she seems to get a message from her daughter Brianna to call her. When Vicki calls her daughter, Brianna tells her that her mother passed away. The night that her mother died, Gunvalson wrote online the following message:
Tonight I received a phone call that is every person’s worst nightmare. My amazing, beautiful and strong mother passed on and is now with the love of her life my father in heaven. I am who I am today, because of her. An amazing cook, organized, bold personality and had a sense of style and fashion that I adored. I miss you so much mommy! My life will never be the same without you to give me advice and your wisdom. You were so healthy and so vibrant and so beautiful. I still need you. I love you MOM.
One of the biggest fears Gunvalson has had since filming that horrible moment is having to relive her mother’s death as it airs on Bravo.
3. Following Her Mother’s Death, Vicki Posted A Heartbreaking Message On Facebook
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Since her mother’s death, Vicki Gunvalson has posted several heartbreaking messages online, but the day after her mother’s death, on February 5, 2015, Gunvalson wrote on her Facebook:
Last night I received one of the worse phone calls of my life. My mother died suddenly and unexpectantly in her home last night. I will never be the same without my mothers love, wisdom and strength. I love you mommy!
Steinmetz’s death was described as “suddenly” and “unexpectedly” as she passed away at home.
4. Donations To The Humane Society Were Made Upon Joanne’s Death
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Instead of flowers, Joanne’s family requested that donations were made to the Humane Society because she had a deep love of animals, especially her most recent dog Maggie. She was also known for her energy, her story-telling and her spirit.
5. Steinmetz Was Feisty Just Like Vicki
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On the show over the years, we’ve seen a little bit of Joanne, who would criticize or poke fun at her daughter, like when she called Vicki’s hair “yellow.” This sent Vicki into a panic saying that she pays a lot of money for her hair to not look yellow. This season we saw footage of Joanne joking at the airport that she was armed, which ended with her in hot water with the law. Vicki couldn’t help but laugh.