Before Angela “Big Ang” Raiola sadly lost her battle with stage 4 brain and lung cancer, the reality star reportedly spent the final moments of her life surrounded by family and loved ones. And yet, as painful as those final moments may have been, Big Ang’s sister Janine Detoure has revealed that the Mob Wives star was surprisingly “at peace” with her inevitable death, and took comfort in knowing she was spending her last moments on earth with those closest to her heart.
Though her death may have come as a shock to some, Big Ang was reportedly ready to say goodbye, according to her sister Janine. In a statement to Us Weekly, the reality star’s sister claimed, the Mob Wives star “was so at peace with death. She was OK with it. She said she didn’t want to live being on the medicine, doing all that. She didn’t want to do that. And she said, ‘If it’s my time, it’s my time, just tell me. I want to spend my time with the grandchildren and with my family.’ She wanted to be home and all that.”
As sad as her death may be though, Big Ang was a larger-than-life personality who lived life to the fullest. So, it should come as no surprise then to lean that her final wish was to have her family celebrate her life rather than mourn it by throwing a giant disco dance party, according to TMZ. Her dying wish was simply for everyone to gather at her old favorite hotspot in Brooklyn called Pastels to laugh, drink, and dance in her honor. She felt it was more appropriate for her personality than the regular uptight memorial services people have. While Pastels may be currently be out of business, we’re sure Big Ang wouldn’t be too picky about the location, just as long as everyone she loved was happy and having fun.
TMZ also mentioned in its report that Big Ang specified that she would never want to be cremated, as she was terrified of fire. Instead, she will likely be buried. However, there is no word yet on where her family has chosen as her final resting place.
As HollywoodLife.com previously reported, the 55-year-old reality star passed awayin the early morning hours on Feb. 18 after suffering from both brain and lung cancer. At the time of her death, Mob Wives creator and close friend, Jennifer Graziano, spoke toHollywoodLife.com, revealing how truly “heartbroken” her family was after her sudden passing.
“I am saddened to say that At 3:01 am Ang lost her battle with cancer,” Jennifer told us. “She passed peacefully surrounded by friends and family. My heart is broken for her whole family – especially her children and grandchildren and I will never forget her. Her presence brought sheer happiness to anyone that was around her and I am honored to have called her a friend. Please respect her family’s privacy at this time as they mourn the loss of such an amazing woman.”
Big Ang’s cancer battle began back in March 2015 after doctors found a lemon-sized tumor in her throat, causing her to undergo numerous surgeries from April through June. Although the cancer went away briefly, the VH1 star learned in December that it had developed into Stage 4 brain and lung cancer, which then spread rapidly, ultimately leading to her sad, sad death. Big Ang is survived by her husband Neil Murphy, two children and six grandchildren.
Our thoughts and prayers continue to go out to Big Ang’s family and friends during their time of loss.
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