Danielle Staub's mother dies, aged 75

Real Housewives Of New Jersey star Danielle Staub's mother has died, aged 75.

According to People, Ruth Merrill passed away in Athens on March 21 after suffering a stroke. Her funeral was held last Thursday.

"I'm finding it very difficult, but I don't want to control it. I'm fine, and then I'm not. It goes in waves," the reality star is quoted as saying.

"When you lose your mother it's hard to describe. You don't know to prepare. You think you do, but you don't, so I'm feeling a little lost. I want to call her but I can't. And my daughters are now left without their grandmother.

"I allow myself a little bit to fall apart after I drop them off at school. No child wants to see their mum sad. I'm trying to help them through the situation. My mum taught me to be there for my kids."

She continued to say that Merrill will be featured on the upcoming new season of the show, explaining: "She's definitely a voice of reason with me. She was a sweet woman, she adopted me, I was her miracle. She was one of the most energetic women. She was a very religious woman, a God-fearing woman."

The Real Housewives Of New Jersey returns to Bravo on May 3.