As a renowned stylist, successful businesswoman and fashionable fixture on New Zealand’s social scene, it would seem Real Housewives of Auckland star Angela Stone has always lived a glamorous life.
But behind the riches, the fancy outings and her trademark grin, lies years of hardships for the Bravo beauty. In this week’s Woman’s Day, the 44-year-old who is now an ambassador for the Mental Health Foundation bravely opens up to Woman’s Day about her first-hand experience of the devastation mental illness can wreak on a family.
It’s been 13 years since Angela’s mother Jill, who suffered from schizophrenia and anxiety, tragically took her own life. That same year in 2003, the Christchurch-based book author’s twin brother Carl, who according to Angela had also lived a troubled life, was so deeply affected by his mum’s loss he went missing from their lives.
Describing her beloved mum as “beautiful in every way”, Angela says she can still remember every minute detail on the day of her death as if it was only yesterday.
“It was the coldest, greyest day of my life,” she tells. “For as long as I live I will never forget how it felt.”
Her twin’s disappearance shortly after in the same year only deepened the pain and loss. Angela says she knows Carl – who was his sister’s closest confidant when they were young – is alive, thanks to the fact he sporadically calls a family member.
“It’s like mourning a mother and a brother, only I know he is alive and I hope to God that one day he finds his way home.”
Angela’s full story is in this week’s issue of Woman’s Day, on sale now.
