Joanne Steinmetz was the mother of Vicki Gunvalson, a reality TV star from The Real Housewives of Orange County. She passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at her home on February 4, 2015, at the age of 83. Her death was a devastating shock to her family and friends, who remembered her as a loving, vibrant, and strong woman.
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A Devoted Wife, Mother, Grandmother, and Great-Grandmother
Joanne Steinmetz was born on June 15, 1931, in Chicago, Illinois. She married William Steinmetz, the love of her life, on September 1, 1951. They made their home in Mount Prospect, where they raised their five children: Kim, Kathy, Vicki, Lisa, and Billy. Joanne was affectionately known as “Nana” by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who adored her. She was also a beloved sister to William Closset. She enjoyed cooking, gardening, traveling, and spending time with her family. She had a bold personality, a sense of style and fashion, and a love for life.
A Heart-Wrenching Episode of The Real Housewives of Orange County
Joanne Steinmetz’s death was captured on camera in a gut-wrenching episode of The Real Housewives of Orange County, which aired on July 6, 2015. Vicki Gunvalson was at a game night with her friends, when she received a phone call from her daughter, Briana, who broke the news to her. Vicki collapsed on the kitchen floor, screaming and crying, as her friends rushed to comfort her. She was in disbelief and agony, saying that she needed her mom and that she wasn’t ready to lose her. She tried to reach her brother, Billy, who found their mother unresponsive in her bed. He said that he tried to wake her up, but she didn’t wake up. He said that he had lost his best friend.
A Tribute to Her Life and Legacy
Joanne Steinmetz’s funeral was held on February 7, 2015, at St. Raymond de Penafort Church in Mount Prospect. She was buried next to her husband, William, who preceded her in death in 1997 of Alzheimer’s disease. They were married for 46 years. Vicki Gunvalson posted several heartbreaking messages on social media, expressing her grief and love for her mother. She said that she was who she was today because of her, and that she would miss her wisdom, strength, and spunk. She said that she didn’t want to believe that this was real, and that she wanted her mom back. She also thanked her fans for their support and prayers.
Joanne Steinmetz’s cause of death was never officially revealed, but it was assumed that she died of natural causes. She was healthy and vibrant until the end, and her death was a tragic and unexpected loss for her family and friends. She left behind a legacy of love, joy, and courage, and she will always be remembered by those who knew her.
