What To Know
- Lara Spencer honored her late mother, Carolyn von Seelen, by sharing one of their most recent memories.
- Von Seelen died at the age of 85 back in February.
- The Good Morning America host previously opened up about her mom’s brain tumor diagnosis and recovery via social media.
Lara Spencer is continuing to honor her late mother via social media by sharing some of their sweetest memories.
The Good Morning America host’s mom, Carolyn von Seelen, died at the age of 85 back in February. Spencer took to her Instagram Story on Monday, August 10, to share a special occasion she and von Seelen celebrated just one year before her death.
“Just found this pic and realized that…One year to the day before we lost her… we finally won in bingo,” she captioned the photo of herself and her mom triumphantly holding up their winning bingo cards. “Brain tumor caused her to lose her sight but not her playful spirit. I played both of our cards. Hers won!”
Von Seelen’s official cause of death has not been publicly shared. However, Spencer previously revealed in February 2024 that her mother had finished treatment for a brain tumor. “Six weeks. 5 days a week. Both chemo and radiation–and not surprising at all, if you know my mom, she is still smiling,” she shared via Instagram at the time. “My friend Susan gave her a pair of socks that say it all—’ you picked the wrong bit*#, cancer!’”
Courtesy of Lara Spencer/Instagram
Spencer went on to thank the medical staff who helped her mother through her treatment, as well as praise von Seelen for her strength. “Mom-your spirituality and belief that anything is possible are a masterclass in how to live. You are a fierce and fabulous warrior and I can’t wait to celebrate with you!!!!!”
Back in April, Spencer posted a photo of von Seelen using a walker just a few months before her death. “This was November 2025. It’s very difficult to see her so vibrant here and try to comprehend how 2 and a half months later, she would be gone,” she captioned the Instagram Story snap. “Every day is — and was — a gift.”
Earlier this month, Spencer celebrated what would have been both von Seelen’s and her late father Richard Ernest von Seelen’s birthdays. “Happy birthday to our mom, grandmother and great kaki,” she wrote alongside a montage of photos of von Seelen with family over the years via Instagram on August 4. “We celebrate you and Dad today and every day. My heart is broken and full all at once. I love you and miss you.”
Fans sent Spencer their well-wishes in the post’s comments. “What a lovely tribute! I am an only child and my mother, my daughter and I are so very close and I am so grateful! You were lucky and realize it- celebrate the love,” one person wrote. Another added, “It’s almost 23 years since my mom left us for Heaven. It’s so hard! I know that she’s watching over all of us and we will see her again! Many blessings and prayers for peace and comfort.”
Someone else shared, “Lara love the photos. I have been thinking of and missing my very dear friend all day – still have one of her messages on my phone. Had a very nice and special chat with Lisa this morning. Life just isn’t the same. I will toast your Mom tonight and all the wonderful memories.” A different person posted, “That’s why it’s so important to make great memories with your family and all the friends that you love because we’re all just visiting here until we meet again happy birthday to your mom.”
A separate commenter remarked, “I don’t care how old you are when you lose your mom life just isn’t the same.”
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