This Mother’s Day in the US is a much more difficult one than previous years for Gisele Bündchen and her family. On Sunday, the Brazilian supermodel marked her first Mother’s Day without her mother Vania Nonnenmacher by her side. Vania passed away aged 75 on Sunday, January 28, reportedly after a battle with cancer; in addition to Gisele, she and her husband Valdir Bündchen were parents to five other daughters, including Gisele’s twin Patricia, plus sisters Rafaela, Graziela, Gabriela and Raquel.
In honor of her mother and the emotional day, Gisele took to Instagram with a poignant tribute, first sharing a photo of the two in an embrace, followed by more family portraits through the years. “It’s still hard to say ‘mom’ without getting emotional,” she then confessed in her caption, adding: “There is not a day that goes by that I don’t miss my Mom.”
“My mother was an amazing human being who always helped everyone around her. She was an incredible role model for my sisters and I. She was strong, loving, and compassionate. There was nothing she couldn’t do. She used to say: ‘Children are forever. You will always be concerned and [want] to protect them, it doesn’t matter their age.” Gisele reflected on her mother’s positive influence and the values she instilled in her and her sisters.
Gisele, who herself is a mom to son Benjamin Rein, 14, and Vivian Lake, 11, who she shares with ex-husband Tom Brady, acknowledged the challenges and rewards of motherhood. “Being a mom is the best, sometimes challenging but always a rewarding experience. I am forever grateful for my Mom’s guidance.” She expressed her gratitude and love for her mother and all the other moms out there, sending love and appreciation their way on Mother’s Day.
“Mom, even though I can no longer feel your embrace, I know you are always watching over our family and being our guiding light! Te amo mãezinha. Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms. Sending so much love your way.” Gisele’s message highlighted the eternal bond between a mother and her children, expressing the lasting impact her mother’s love has had on their lives.
The other photos Gisele shared included one of her mom with all six of her daughters, one featuring her grandkids Benjamin and Vivian giving her a hug, plus a throwback family portrait of the Bündchen women. These images captured the love and unity within the family, illustrating the special moments they shared together.
When Gisele first publicly addressed her mother’s passing in January, she wrote on Instagram: “It hurts to know that I won’t be able to hug you anymore, but I know that you will always be watching over us. You were an angel on earth, always helping everyone around you. I am so grateful to be your daughter and to have learned from you.”
“Thank you for being the best role model of love, strength, compassion, courage, and grace… I will forever cherish the beautiful memories we shared and will live by the values you taught me. Your love will always guide us. I will see you in my dreams.” Gisele’s final words expressed her deep love and appreciation for her mother, highlighting the impact her mother’s legacy of love will have on their lives going forward.