Sad news out of the OC! On Wednesday, RHOC alum Lydia McLaughlin announced the passing of her mom, Judy.
Late Wednesday evening, former Real Housewives of Orange County star Lydia McLaughlin shared the sad new news that her mother, Judy Stirling , had suddenly passed away the night before on Tuesday, October 8.
On Instagram, the Real Housewives of Orange County alum wrote:
“My mom passed away last night. ? We are heart broken but we know she’s dancing with Jesus. ? Fairdust, confetti bombs and crowns like heaven has never seen before. ?What’s in the cat is in the kitten and I promise to continue to make you proud @ocjudymom ?”

Judy Stirling’s cause of death is unknown at this time. She was 76-years-old.
Naturally, Lydia’s Real Housewives of Orange County family rallied around her in the comment section of her Instagram post, offering her love and support while also sharing fond memories of Judy during her memorable appearances on the Orange County Housewives franchise.

Gretchen Rossi wrote: “Oh Lydia just heartbroken for you all ?Judy was such a light and a gift straight from Heaven. She was so loved by so many. I will be praying for all of you as you navigate this difficult time. She will forever hold a special place in my heart. We love you Judy. Sending love and healing prayers ????.”
“Lydia, your mom was a jewel that sparkled like no one else?. Words can’t even describe how much I adored her. I feel so blessed to have known her & the past few years that I’ve gotten closer to her were such a gift to me. The bond you two have is so priceless & beautiful. I have been hearing her voice all day today. She always made me laugh. She was my Goldie Hawn. I love you so much my sweet friend and I loved seeing your beautiful face tonight. I’m sure she’s throwing glitter all over heaven right now. You are in my prayers. What a gift your mom was so to everyone. I will miss her. ??????,” Lizzie Rosvek commented.

The OG of the OC, Vicki Gunvalson, shared, “Oh honey – I am so sorry to hear this. What an incredible bond you and your mother had. Peace be with you and your family ???.”
“I’m so sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful lady. She will be truly missed ????,” RHOC alum Peggy Sulahian added.
Alexis Bellino commented, “Lydia, I’m so sorry for your loss. I know your pain right now. I loved EVERY SINGLE THING about your mom. I’m only a phone call away. Love you sweetie. ??????,” while former RHOC star Peggy Tanous wrote, “I’m so so sorry sweetie. I adored your mom like she was my own. Sending your family love and prayers.”
Finally, Andy Cohen shared, “Fairy dust in the sky! ? thank you for sharing her with us ?.”
Lydia McLaughlin starred on RHOC for one season in 2013. She later returned returned for season 12 before walking away from the show again.

During Lydia’s time on RHOC, her mom, Judy, became a fan favorite thanks to her love of smoking pot, her laid back demeanor, and her penchant for sprinkling people with fairy dust. Judy also infamously got into it with Vicki Gunvalson’s son-in-law Ryan Culberson, who she infamously threatened to fairy dust following their argument.
The Real Housewives of Orange County airs on Bravo Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET.
12 comments
Aww that’s sad for those close to her. She was unique and a ball of sunshine. One episode I remember clearly was at Vicki’s house for a party. Brianna, Vicki’s daughter, and her husband Ryan was there. If you saw this episode I’m sure you still remember it also because it was so disturbing. I don’t remember why but Lydia’s mom was on the couch with her shoes off relaxing, maybe because she was older and her feet hurt. Well Ryan came in and saw this and went off on her. Humiliating her and making a huge scene. Making her cry and left the party with Lydia. Not caring that she was an older woman or that it wasn’t even his house. It was all caught on camera. Such an assshole. Huge red flag for Brianna. If you can’t hold back on camera imagine what he’s like behind closed doors. Anyway I felt so bad for her. She was truly a beautiful soul unafraid to show others her light and uniqueness. She is most certainly in heaven spreading fairy dust as Angel!
In honor of Judy: weed and fairy dust for everyone!
My heart goes out to Lydia & her entire family. Judy was indeed such a refreshing breath of clean fresh air & her family & those who were fortunate enough to get a glimpse into her life have been blessed. May she rest in eternal peace & may Our Lord be a great comfort to her family.
I remember when her mom said she was a flower fairy. 🙂 She seemed so unbothered and free and gave off nothing but good vibes. I remember thinking the mom is more cool than Lydia, lol. Sad news to hear, my sincerest condolences as well.
I always find it annoying when public figures go straight to SM and/or the press to announce the deaths of love ones, but don't disclose the COD.
Whether they disclose the cause of death or not, I am always amazed at how many go directly to social media to announce such private news, especially within 24 hours of losing their loved one.
It's not like their loved one is some major public or influential person whose death should be announced in a timely manner. Why not wait at least until after whatever services are held?
IKR? It's really weird, and actually quite telling.
Aw, that’s sad. Her mom was great tv. RIP ?
My sincerest condolences to Lydia & her loved ones. Losing a parent is always a bitter pill that we all have to swallow.
Her mom was always fun to watch on tv.
And they had a great relationship !
They really did.
I got a kick out of her, she was a hoot!
R.I.P. ??