Beloved reality TV star Angela "Big Ang" Raiola passed away in the early hours on Thursday morning, a family friend confirmed via Raiola's official Twitter account. Since her passing, Raiola's family members have taken to social media to share intimate hospital photos of the VH1 "Mob Wives" star during her final hours before she lost her battle with stage four cancer, paying heartfelt tribute to her memory.
Janine Detore, Raiola's sister, uploaded a photo of the larger-than-life TV personality wearing a camel trench coat, posing underneath her parents' memorial plaque. Even though the photo was taken recently while she battling cancer, Raiola still smiled at the camera in the shot.
"At 3:01 my beautiful sister got her wings she's with our mom & dad. We would like to thank everyone for your prayers and support ... #myfriend #mysister till we meet again my love @bigangvh1," Detore wrote in the touching caption.
Janine's daughters, and Raiola's nieces, Jeannie and Sonnie Detore also took to social media to pay tribute to their beloved "auntie" on their personal Instagram accounts. Sonnie posted a photo of her and Raiola sharing a sweet kiss as Raiola lay on her hospital bed.
"I will never forget how you would smile, I love that smile. You were the best auntie ever. Rest peacefully my auntie," Sonnie wrote in her heartfelt caption. "I will always be your bunny."
Jeannie posted another photo of Raiola surrounded by loved ones on her hospital bed and wrote in the caption, "And that's where you'll always find us ... Right by your side."
Raiola passed away at 55 years old after a year-long battle with throat, brain and lung cancer, USA Today reported. The Staten Island native was the niece of notorious Genovese crime family captain Salvatore "Sally Dogs" Lombardi and is best known for her role as the vivacious peacemaker on the VH1 reality TV series "Mob Wives."
See the Detore's touching Instagram tribute below.
