Carol Bongiovi, Jon Bon Jovi’s mother, died three days before her 83rd birthday. After Carol’s passing on Tuesday at Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, New Jersey, Jon, 62, shared heartfelt words about her.

“Our mother was a force to be reckoned with, her spirit and can-do attitude shaped this family,” Jon told PEOPLE. “She will be greatly missed.” Carol, who was once a Playboy bunny, founded the fan club for her son’s band. In 1959, she joined the U.S. Marine Corps, where she met John Bongiovi, Sr., her future husband.