Mark and Donnie Wahlberg, two of the most recognizable names in the entertainment world, recently shared deeply emotional tributes following the death of their beloved mother, Alma Wahlberg. Alma, who passed away in April 2021 at the age of 78, had been battling dementia in her later years. Her death marked a painful chapter for her family, particularly for her eight surviving children—Michelle, Paul, Arthur, Jim, Tracey, Robert, Donnie, and Mark. Tragically, Alma also experienced the heartbreak of losing her daughter, Debbie, who passed away in 2003 at the age of 43. Alma’s former husband, Donald Wahlberg, had passed away years earlier, in 2008.

Alma Wahlberg, though not initially in the public eye, became a household name thanks to the reality show Wahlburgers, which gave fans a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the family’s tight-knit dynamic while running a family-owned restaurant. Though Donnie and Mark, the youngest of the siblings, are the most well-known to the public, Alma’s presence on the show left an indelible mark. She was cherished for her warmth, wit, and unshakable connection to her roots.

In the wake of Alma’s passing, Mark Wahlberg, who has often spoken about the importance of his faith in helping him navigate life’s challenges, took to his social media platforms to honor her memory. Sharing a touching photo of Alma wearing a bright pink blazer, Mark expressed his sorrow, writing, “My angel. Rest in peace.” The simplicity and purity of his words captured the deep sense of loss he felt. Mark had often referred to his mother as his daily touchstone, someone he could rely on for comfort, guidance, and love.

Alma had been an integral part of Mark’s daily life, with the actor regularly calling her no matter where he was in the world. “I don’t care if it’s 3 o’clock in the morning!” Alma would say, underscoring just how important their conversations were to her. In a heartbreaking admission, Mark revealed how much he missed those daily exchanges, calling them an irreplaceable part of his routine. “It was always the first phone call I made every single day for the last 10 years, was to my mom,” Mark shared. “And I don’t get to make that phone call anymore. And it’s heartbreaking. And that’s hard.” This revelation emphasized just how much Alma had been more than a mother—she was a constant presence in his life, a pillar of support, and a source of daily comfort.

Meanwhile, Donnie Wahlberg took to writing a heartfelt and lengthy tribute to his mother, reflecting on her influence in his life. He expressed feeling “blessed” to have been raised by such an incredible woman, one whose character, love for life, and humility had shaped him into the person he was. In his tribute, Donnie shared that his mother’s joy for life and unwavering pride in her humble beginnings had been a key factor in molding his own sense of self. “I’ve often said, if you like anything about me, I got it from Alma,” he wrote. Donnie described Alma as “the most loving human being” he had ever known, a woman who epitomized grace in every sense.

The emotional tribute was paired with a compilation of heartwarming videos and photos of Alma over the years, including special moments from Donnie’s wedding and a humorous clip of Alma playfully smashing a cupcake into her son’s face. These personal moments highlighted Alma’s sense of humor, her ability to find joy in the simplest moments, and the deep love she had for her children.

Alma Wahlberg’s life before fame was one of resilience and hard work. Born in Boston, she worked tirelessly to support her large family. Her roles as a bank clerk and nurse’s aide were just a few of the ways she made ends meet while raising nine children. Despite her demanding jobs, she never lost sight of what truly mattered—her family. Alma later became a greeter and hostess at the family’s restaurant, where she became beloved not only by her children but also by the many customers who came to appreciate her warmth and generosity.

When asked by her children which one of them was her favorite, Alma’s answer was a testament to her deep love for each of her kids. “Whoever I’m with at the time,” she would reply, emphasizing that each child had something uniquely special about them. Her pride in them wasn’t just about their accomplishments, but about the people they had become. Alma was deeply proud of her children’s integrity and character. “They’re all so unique in their own way. I’m really proud of them. Not just the success, but how they’ve turned out. They’re really good people. I wouldn’t care if they were ditch diggers, as long as they’re good people,” she was quoted as saying in an interview with USA Today.

Alma’s influence on her family, especially her sons, is undeniable. The Wahlbergs often speak of her wisdom, her values, and her commitment to family as the foundation of who they are today. It’s clear that Alma wasn’t just a mother—she was a guiding force, a source of strength, and a beacon of love for her entire family.

She was always an angel.

Now she has her wings.

Rest peacefully Alma.

As Always, your Baby Donnie#RIPAlma 🙏🏼❤️🕊😢 https://t.co/qrR7foxSM8 pic.twitter.com/IICsPPwHlp

— Donnie Wahlberg (@DonnieWahlberg) April 18, 2021

The loss of Alma Wahlberg has left a profound void in the lives of her children, but her legacy lives on through the values she instilled in them. From her unflinching support to her unshakable belief in the importance of family, Alma’s presence will continue to guide her children as they navigate life without her. Mark and Donnie’s tributes are a testament to the lasting impact Alma had on their lives—a mother who was both a rock and a source of joy, whose memory will be celebrated by her family for years to come. Through the pain of their loss, it’s clear that Alma’s influence will never be forgotten.