Paula Abdul Was 'By Her Mom's Side' as Mother Lorraine Died at Age 85
Jan 18th, 2018
Jordan Runtagh, PEOPLE Music
Paula Abdul‘s mother Lorraine died Monday at age 85, PEOPLE confirms.
“Lorraine died with her daughters Paula and Wendy by her side,” Abdul’s cousin Tara Riceberg tells PEOPLE. “Paula was able to be by her mom’s side and give her comfort in her final moments.”
“Lorraine was a single mom and a very strong and fierce woman. She raised two daughters and both Paula and Wendy are strong females who understand discipline,” Riceberg continued. “Their mom’s influence made them the women they are today.”
A private service, led by Rabbi Chaim Mentz, Chabad of Bel Air, was held Wednesday in California.
“At the memorial, everyone kept talking about Lorraine’s big smile and her infectious laugh and signature red lipstick,” Riceberg recalls. “It’s funny because Paula has an amazing laugh and it’s something she gets from her mom.”