Scary Mommy founder Jill Smokler dies of brain cancer at 48
NBC News • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Jill Smokler, creator of the popular “Scary Mommy” website and mother of three, died on June 22 at age 48 after a two-year battle with aggressive brain cancer, glioblastoma.
- Smokler was known for her honest and raw portrayal of motherhood, addressing both its challenges and joys, which resonated with millions of women and changed the parenting conversation.
- She started “Scary Mommy” while raising three young children and was proudest of her kids, Lily, Ben, and Evan, who are now in their late teens and early 20s.
- Despite divorcing in 2017 after her ex-husband Jeff Smokler realized he was gay, they reconnected during her illness, with Jeff supporting her efforts to spend quality time with their children.
- Smokler openly shared her cancer journey, describing the disease’s relentlessness and expressing her desire to cherish moments with her family, especially at her “happy place” on the beach.
