Anne Burrell Praised Her ‘Amazing’ Mom and Sister While Celebrating Mother’s Day, 5 Weeks Before Her Death at 55

Anne Burrell praised her “amazing, strong, and kooky” mom and sister in a celebratory Mother’s Day Instagram post just a few weeks before her unexpected death.

The popular Food Network star died at the age of 55 on Tuesday, June 17, at her Brooklyn, New York home.

Just five weeks earlier, on May 12, Burrell took to social media to pay tribute to her “two VERY favorite Mothers” — her mom and her sister Jane — for Mother’s Day.

“You are both just so strong, loving, kooky, smart and AMAZING women that I am SO very happy to be able to call my family. You have both created fantastic families. I love you SO much!! Happy Mother’s Day to all the Moms out there!!!” she wrote in the caption that accompanied photos of Burrell with her mom, sister and nieces.

She added the hashtags “#ilovemyfamily #ilovewhatido #luckygirl,” and accompanied the post with the ABBA track “Mamma Mia.”

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That same day, the Worst Cooks in America star shared another photo of herself relaxing on the terrace of her home. Taken from the waist down, it shows Burrell’s feet and a copy of New York Magazine resting on her lap. She appeared to be wearing a colorful dress and was reclining on a chair with an equally vibrant cushion while sunny skies were visible in the background.

“Aaaaaaahhhhhh… it’s been a CRAZYPANTS week and a half,” she wrote in the accompanying caption. “I am BEYOND thrilled to be chilling on Sunday evening at home out on the terrace. Perfect weather, kitties, reading, music and a little cocktail. Happy happy joy joy!!! Again she added the hashtags #ilovewhatido and #luckygirl

The Food Network star herself was a stepmother to her husband Stuart Claxton’s son Javier who has mostly stayed out of the spotlight.

Burrell was found “unconscious and unresponsive” in her bed around 7:50 a.m. on June 17, according to a statement the New York Police Department shared with PEOPLE. She was pronounced dead on the scene, but her cause of death is still unclear and an autopsy will be performed.

Representatives for Burrell confirmed the death via a family statement shared with PEOPLE.

“Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered,” it read. “Anne’s light radiated far beyond those she knew, touching millions across the world. Though she is no longer with us, her warmth, spirit, and boundless love remain eternal.”

Since the news of her death, tributes have been pouring in from Burrell’s famous friends and more.

“We are deeply saddened to share the news that beloved chef, Anne Burrell, passed away this morning,” Food Network shared in an Instagram post. “Anne was a remarkable person and culinary talent – teaching, competing and always sharing the importance of food in her life and the joy that a delicious meal can bring. Our thoughts are with Anne’s family, friends and fans during this time of tremendous loss.”

Carla Hall, who appeared on Top Chef, mourned the news in a statement shared with PEOPLE.

“I’m heartbroken to hear about Anne’s passing,” she wrote. “She was fierce, funny, and an incredibly talented cook and teacher—someone who brought so much fire and joy to everything she did. I was lucky to work alongside her on Worst Cooks and other nonprofit events. She will be deeply missed.”

Gigi Hadid, took to her Instagram Stories to react to the news, writing, “I am heartbroken to hear of the loss of the Great Anne Burrell.”

She continued, reflecting on her opportunity to guest-star on the Food Network with Burrell: “As a longtime fan, getting to share this day with her was a dream come true. Beat Bobby. Hang. Eat. I wish we could have done it again. She was awesome. Rest in Peace, Legend.”