Lara Spencer is in mourning following the death of her mom, Carolyn Von Seelen. "If you were lucky enough to meet my mom you know that smile that lit up every room she walked into," began a tribute Spencer, 56, shared via Instagram on Tuesday, February 17. "What you might not have seen at first glance was her courage, resilience, endless optimism, deep faith, and boundless love for her family. She was a woman who loved a saying-she had one for everything-and used them often to help us get thru life's challenges or painful moments. One of her favorite was 'don't be sad it's over honey-be grateful it happened.'" The Good Morning America host's caption continued, "Sorry mama but there's no way to not feel the pain of overwhelming sadness at the thought of not having you to share life with each day, but we sure are grateful YOU happened and showered us with your loving warmth and humor. Our loving mom, grandmother to 12 and great-grandmother to 4 left us on Friday the 13TH (which we know she would have gotten a kick out of) surrounded by her children and her beloved rescue dog to reunite with my Dad and our sister Pamela. We love you always and forever mom." Von Seelen was 85 years old. An official cause of death was not publicly announced. GMA's Lara Spencer Hints at New DIY Project After HGTV's 'Flea Market Flip' In the comments section of the post, several of Spencer's colleagues, fellow broadcasters and celebrity friends shared their condolences. "Knowing your mother was knowing pure joy. Just thinking of her right now brings a smile to my face," GMA's Robin Roberts wrote. "Oh how she loved her family...undoubtedly the loves of her life. May in time all your sweet memories of her be a source of comfort. 🙏🏾❤️." ABC News' Rebecca Jarvis commented, "Sending you and your family so much love, Lara. I feel so fortunate to have met her at GMA - a truly special woman with a transcendent spark. May her memory be a blessing❤️." "Sending YOU the tightest hug!!! I'm so sorry. I love your relationship with her...2 peas in a pod. She is certainly lighting up the heavens!!! Love you so much. 💛☀️," Access Hollywood's Kit Hoover said. "Oh Lara! I remember her well. I'm so sorry to read this news. Sending so much love to you and your family. 💔," The View's Sara Haines shared. Lara Spencer and Carolyn Von Seelen Courtesy of Lara Spencer/Instagram Spencer was absent from Tuesday's episode of GMA, but her cohosts paid tribute to Von Seelen, who made many visits to the show's set over the years. Sam Champion told viewers Von Seelen was a "bright light" who always "watched Lara proudly do what Lara does better than anyone else on the planet." The meteorologist remembered Von Seelen's "wise and funny personality" and her love for yard sales. Spencer previously opened up about her mom's health, revealing that Von Seelen underwent treatment for a brain tumor. "I am so happy to share that my mom has just finished treatment for a brain tumor and she is doing GREAT," Spencer wrote via Instagram in February 2024. "Six weeks. 5 days a week. Both chemo and radiation-and not surprising at all, if you know my mom, she is still smiling." Spencer thanked the doctors who treated her mother and praised their "groundbreaking trial to get chemo past the blood brain barrier." "My mom is proof positive your work is a game changer," she added. "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!!!!!"