This is how I'll remember Ang
Angela Raiola, "Big Ang," passed away during the night surrounded by her loved ones. She was only 55 and taken from this world much too soon. The outpouring of grief in social media was like none I have seen before. Ang was no ordinary television reality star, she touched millions of lives and many of them were devastated to hear she was losing her battle with cancer last night.
It seems like it was just yesterday that Big Ang, and her bigger than life personality, first graced our television screens. She was instantly loved by fans of the show. No one could get enough of her. Even people who never watched Mob Wives, fell in love with her and her unique sense humor. Big Ang was a "peacemaker," she didn't like arguing or conflict. Everything about Ang was BIG, but the biggest part of her, the part we couldn't see . . . was her heart.
Ang loved her family more than anything and she fought this disease with everything she had. It was a long hard year for her. Now her battle is over and she is at peace. She is a special angel in heaven looking down and protecting her loved ones.
Who else do you know with her own mural?
Last night, as I watch my Twitter timeline fill up with sadness, I began to see fans who loved Ang putting up their own pictures. Pictures they had taken with Ang when they met her. Here are just a few of them:
I went to an event with my daughter, who does not watch Mob Wives. She went to meet Jennifer Graziano, the brains behind the show, but the first person we met that night was Big Ang. My daughter was excited. She and her friends love Big Ang. I asked Ang if she would mind taking a picture with my daughter. Ang put down her fur coat and took my daughter, who only came up to her elbow, over to where there were some steps. She wanted my daughter to stand on a step to make for a better picture. It meant a lot to us.
Ang's family issued a statement immediately following her passing.
In her last days Ang never gave up. I read how she insisted on going to film the Reunion Show just a few days ago because she wanted to finish what she started. I heard she looked great, but was only able to stay for five or six hours because she got too tired. I'll be thinking of that when I watch those shows.
Ang's heart was so big she even agreed to go on Dr. Oz to try and help people with her story. She told the viewers: : "If you smoke, quit; if you haven't started, don't." Dr. Oz said her words would make more of an impact than anything he could have said. If you missed Ang's appearance on the show you can watch it here: Big Ang fighting for her life. Have tissues handy.
And Karen Gravano, who watched the show, could not hold back her own grief and posted this message:
Ang was greatly loved by all who knew her. That reminds me of an expression that I didn't quite get until this moment: The more love you give away, the more love comes back to you. And for Ang there was nothing she loved more than her family, they were everything to her.
Rest in Eternal Peace Ang
Angela Raiola
February 18, 2016
And now a few words from our blogger, Carmela, who covered The Big Ang Show:
Tremendous. Fabulous; Genuine…words that are used to described world event or perhaps a personality that came to life in most of our homes. Big Ang was more than just a reality star.
A mother and a loyal friend she lived each moment to the fullest. In all the times I’ve met Ang she was sweet and very personable. I am thankful I got the chance to meet her. She will be missed by many especially her family. She leaves behind her grandchildren that will live off the memories.
My deepest condolences to everyone that was part of her life.
Thanks for the memories. ~ Carmela