Gemma Collins, a former star of The Only Way Is Essex, announced the death of her mother, Joan, on Wednesday evening. Joan passed away peacefully at the age of 70, surrounded by her family.
The recurring pneumonia battles at Broomfield Hospital
The health of Joan had been a point of public concern for several years, as she faced a series of severe respiratory challenges.. According to the report, Joan first contracted pneumonia in March 2020, marking the beginning of a difficult medical journey. This pattern continued into 2024, when Joan was admitted to intensive care after she stopped breathing, a crisis that left Gemma Collins fearing the worst.
In her final months, Joan was treated at Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford after suffernig two separate bouts of pneumonia. As the source reported, Gemma Collins had previously shared updates regarding a December hospitalization, during which she praised the medical staff and noted that her mother remained "glam" despite the circumstances . The medical struggle was compounded by a period where doctors informed the family they would not attempt resuscitation if Joan suffered a cardiac arrest.
A grandmother's institutionalization at age 13
The relationship between Gemma Collins and Joan was deepened by a poignant discovery regarding their ancestral history. In a 2024 episode of Who Do You Think You Are?, the pair explored the life of Joan's biological mother, who was also named Joan. The investigation revealed a tragic history of medical negligence, suggesting that the elder Joan had been unfairly institutionalized from the age of 13.
This revelation provided a critical missing piece of the family puzzle, as the younger Joan had spent most of her life believing she had been abandoned by her mother. The program uncovered that the grandmother had likely been misdiagnosed with chronic schizophrenia, leading to her forced adoption. This narrative of systemic failure and reclaimed identity added a layer of emotional complexity to the bond between Gemma Collins and her mother in their final years together.
Condolences from Dani Dyer and the TOWIE circle
Following the announcement on Instagram, a wave of support arrived from high-profile figures within the British reality television sphere. Dani Dyer expressed her sorrow, stating, "Oh Gemma I'm so so sorry, thinking of you," while Amy Childs remembered Joan as a "beautiful lady." Lauren Goodger also joined the tributes, sending love to the Collins family during their bereavement.
In her own tribute, Gemma Collins described her heart as being "shattered into a million pieces," expressing gratitude for the strength and guidance her mother prvoided . The 45-year-old former reality star wrote that she hopes her mother is finally "free from pain" and able to walk and laugh again, reflecting the physical toll the recent illnesses had taken on Joan's quality of life.
The undisclosed cause of Joan's death
While the reporting heavily emphasizes the recurring respiratory issues and the hospitalizations at Broomfield Hospital, the specific cause of Joan's death has not been publicly disclosed. this leaves a gap in the public record regarding whether the final passing was a direct result of pneumonia or a complication from other health issues mentioned in the source.
The faimly has requested privacy as they navigate this loss, and it remains unclear if further details regarding the medical circumstances will be shared. For now, the public narrative remains focused on the emotional tribute shared by Gemma Collins and the outpouring of support from her peers.
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