Entertainment
Mark Wahlberg announces his mum Alma has died aged 78
Mark and Donnie Wahlberg have announced that their beloved mother, Alma, has died at the age of 78.
Alma was mother to the Ted actor as well as Mark’s brother and New Kids on the Block star, Donnie, and seven other children.
Announcing her death, Mark, 49, shared a photo of Alma on Instagram on Sunday with the caption: ‘My angel. Rest in peace.’
Donnie, 51, shared a heartfelt video of fond memories with Alma, including footage of her rollerblading and being honoured in a speech at a black tie event.
He paid tribute in a lengthy caption, which said: ‘I’m so blessed to have been brought into this world by, raised by, taught by and set on my life’s path by, such an amazing woman.
‘My mum Alma’s joy for life, love and people — combined with a pride in her humble beginnings and refusal to forget where she came from — undoubtedly shaped me into the man that I am.
‘I’ve often said, if you like anything about me, I got it from Alma. I say that, because it’s true. She was, without a doubt, the most loving human being I’ve ever known.
‘I never heard her say, or do, anything disrespectful to anyone. She was, as anybody who ever came across her knows, true blue.’
Donnie continued: ‘Like so many mums who struggled, overcame odds, made something from nothing and pulled off the impossible for their children, she never complained. She did what needed to be done, most often, with a smile. She made the best of times in the worst of times.
‘That was Alma — mother, sister, daughter, grandmother, friend, ally, warrior, angel. She made no apologies for who she was, but never put herself above anyone else. She kicked our butts if we messed up, kicked anyone else’s butts if they messed with us. Taught us right, made us pay the price when we were wrong.
‘She was the epitome of the word grace.
‘As a young boy, she’d invite me to sing her favorite song with her (Native New Yorker by Odyssey) as she cleaned our home. There’s no doubt that the two of us singing into a mop stick, while disco dancing on our “sparkling” linoleum floor, helped inspire the dreamer in me — just like the dreamer in her.
‘Her other favorite song, If I Could by Regina Belle, is the song that she danced with each of her children to, at their weddings. I surprised her at mine by having Ms Belle sing it to her.
‘I did so because, despite the fact that my mum could do (and actually did) many of the things mentioned in that beautiful song, she still wondered if she’d done the job of being the best mother she could be. Today, I say with tremendous certainty, and gratitude, she absolutely did.
‘It’s time to rest peacefully, mum.
‘I love you, miss you, thank you and will celebrate you, today and always.
‘Forever — your Baby Donnie.’
In July 2020, Donnie had revealed Alma was battling poor health and told his followers: ‘I know that so many of you have asked how my mum Alma is doing. During my visit, she didn’t remember much, and was often confused, but somehow she was still Alma.
‘She still lights up a room. She still made me smile. She’s still stubborn. And she still loves her baby Donnie. I thank you all, for your well wishes. Sending my heartfelt love, and sincerest wishes, to all those away from their loved ones.’
Fans of the Wahlberg brothers will remember her appearance in the A&E series Wahlburgers, which ran for 10 seasons and followed Mark and Donnie’s older brother’s mission to open a burger restaurant, eventually launching a chain across New England.
Alma is survived by Mark, Donnie and their siblings; Paul, Robert, Jim, Arthur, Tracey, Michelle and Debbie.
MORE : The Syndicate creator Kay Mellor confirms the show will return for series 5
