Clare Crawley Mourns the Death of Her Mother Lilia After Battle with Alzheimer’s

Clare Crawley, a beloved star from The Bachelorette, is mourning the death of her mother, Lilia, after a prolonged battle with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. In a deeply emotional Instagram post on February 6, the 43-year-old reality TV star shared her grief, expressing the profound impact the loss has had on her heart.

“Reading through all your messages has truly helped fill my heavy heart by the way,” Clare wrote in her Instagram Stories. “So many of you have been here along the way with us. And as prepared as I have been knowing we were on borrowed time with my mama’s dementia, my heart still stings like hell from losing her. Nothing can prepare you.” Her words highlight the unanticipated weight of grief, even when you feel prepared for the inevitable.

A Heartfelt Tribute and Family Support

Clare has been vocal about the challenges her mother faced with Alzheimer’s and dementia. She shared that despite knowing the heartbreaking reality, her pain is still overwhelming. Clare also leaned on her support system during this painful time, including her husband Ryan Dawkins and their 12-month-old daughter Rowen Lily Dawkins. Clare expressed that her daughter, named after her late mother, is helping her navigate this difficult time.

“She keeps me going right now,” Clare posted along with a photo of Rowen. This image symbolizes the cyclical nature of life, where the love from one generation helps to heal the pain of another.

The Emotional Toll of Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Throughout her mother’s health struggle, Clare often opened up about the emotional toll it took on her. On February 2, Clare reflected on her and Ryan’s second wedding anniversary and how it was marked by an incredibly poignant moment. She explained that instead of celebrating a getaway with her husband, Ryan had been by her side day and night, guiding her mother through her final moments.

“As our second wedding anniversary came and went yesterday, it showed me what a true blessing it is to be married to @ryandawkins,” Clare wrote. “He has been my strength in my weakest moment. This is what love truly is.” This tribute to her husband shows how deeply grateful Clare is for his unwavering support during one of the most challenging times in her life.

The Impact of Her Mother’s Illness

Clare’s journey with her mother’s health struggles has been ongoing for years. During her time as The Bachelorette in 2020, Clare shared how difficult it was to be apart from her mother, who was living in a care facility due to her Alzheimer’s diagnosis. “I’m sure a lot of people are experiencing this as well, but it’s really hard for me to not be able to see her, to not be able to hug her. It’s hard,” she shared on the show.

Her experience with Alzheimer’s and dementia continued to shape her perspective on love, family, and memory. In a Mother’s Day post from 2021, Clare poignantly reflected, “Names may not be remembered, and memories fade away, but one thing it will NEVER take away is the love between a mother and a daughter.” This sentiment encapsulates the enduring bond that transcends memory loss and physical challenges.

A Loss That Will Be Felt Forever

Clare’s mother’s passing marks the end of a long chapter filled with both painful and beautiful moments. The Alzheimer’s journey has left a lasting hole in their family, but the love shared between Clare and her mother remains as a testament to their bond. Despite the challenges of living with Alzheimer’s, Clare has found solace in knowing that her mother’s love will never be forgotten.

As she navigates this difficult loss, Clare’s strength and gratitude towards her family and fans are evident. Her words remind us all that while memory fades, the connection between loved ones endures forever.