RHOC’s Lydia McLaughin Holds Celebration of Life for Late Mom Judy

The Real Housewives of Orange County alum Lydia McLaughlin honored her late mom, Judy Stirling, with a celebration of life ceremony over the weekend.

As seen on social media, the Bravo star invited family and friends for an uplifting gathering filled with her mom’s favorite things.

“We are in full set-up mode for my mom’s celebration of life and it is going to do her life honor because we have brought in the big guns with Michelle [Yang] party planning. Let’s go,” McLaughlin, 43, wrote via her Instagram Story on Sunday, October 20. “We have glitter. We have more balloon arches. We have a stage. We have a projector. We’re going to have coffee and crepes and everything she loves to honor her.”

On October 9, McLaughlin announced the death of her mom at age 76. In her social media post, the Nobleman executive editor said her family was “heartbroken but we know she’s dancing with Jesus. 💫 Fairdust, confetti bombs and crowns like heaven has never seen before.”

Guests invited to Stirling’s celebration of life arrived on a red carpet and were welcomed by two greeters dressed as angels. Oceans Church Pastor Mark Francey delivered a message before McLaughlin asked the crowd to release glitter and streamers into the air.

“The joy of [glitter],” McLaughlin said while wearing one of her mom’s beloved tiaras. “She loved these. You guys ready? 3, 2, 1!”

Former Real Housewives of Orange County star Lizzie Rovsek was invited to the celebration of life and praised all the details McLaughlin brought to the day.

“The most beautiful celebration for @OCJudyMom. Judy, you are so loved,” she wrote via her Instagram Story on Sunday. “Your light touched so many. You were pure joy. @OCLydia, such a special, beautiful day celebrating your mom. I was honored to know her. I love you my sweet friend.”

Reality TV fans met McLaughlin and her mom when they joined the cast of The Real Housewives of Orange County during season 8.

Although they only appeared on the show for two seasons, the mother-daughter duo made a positive impact on fans who continued to follow their adventures via social media.

“I can’t put into words what my mom means to me,” McLaughlin shared via Instagram in February 2023. “She is the best mother, my best friend and whole world to my boys. She is a ball of joy and the definition of a free spirit. 💞 I love you @ocjudymom. You are a miracle and I want to be just like you when I grow up.😘.”