Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s mother is dead.

Mrs. Grace Ifeoma Adichie, the mother of the renowned Nigerian novelist died on Monday, March 1, in Awka, Anambra State.

She was 78 years old.

“It was very sudden and we are devastated,” a family spokesperson said according to Guardian.

She is survived by her six children: Ijeoma, Uchenna, Chuks, Okechukwu, Chimamanda and Kenechukwu; as well as nine grandchildren, in-law and many relatives.

Funeral arrangements will be announced by her family later.

This comes just months after Chimamanda lost her father.