For former first lady Melania Trump, the days and weeks following the death of her mother, Amalija Knavs, have undoubtedly been a time of mourning and reflection, and she recently took to social media to express her thoughts on the experience and her gratitude for the well-wishes received, as US Weekly reports.

Mrs. Knavs died on Jan. 9 at the age of 78, as CBS News noted, and since then, she has been the subject of a number of glowing tributes not just from her daughter, but from many others who have been close to the first family over the years.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Melania Trump wrote, “On behalf of my family, I would like to extend our deepest gratitude for the love and support that you have showered upon us throughout this journey of loss and grief.”

“We will cherish the beautiful memories of my beloved mother, and forever keep her light in our hearts, the former first lady added.

Mrs. Trump's touching remembrance came on the heels of an emotional eulogy she delivered earlier this month during her mother's funeral service, held at the Church of Bethesda by the Sea in Palm Beach, Florida, as PEOPLE reported.

During that tribute, Melania Trump spoke of Knavs in the most glowing of terms, according to the Associated Press, explaining that she was “a ray of light in the darkest of days.”

Attesting to the deep mother-and-daughter connection they shared, Melania Trump declared, “In her presence, the world seemed to shimmer with radiance and joy. Our bond was unbreakable.”

The former first lady lauded her mother's ability to celebrate her loved ones' successes while also providing unwavering support during troubled times.

Her memories of laughter that permeated time with her mother and the “conversations that flowed effortlessly with grace and charm” would be things that Mrs. Trump said she would never forget.

The high esteem in which Mrs. Knavs was held by her daughter was echoed by her son-in-law, former President Donald Trump, who heaped praise on “Melania's great and beautiful mother, Amalija” on his Truth Social platform.

“She was an incredible woman and will be missed far beyond words,” the former president stated.

Mr. Trump's admiration for Mrs. Knavs stemmed in large part from the past that she and her husband, Viktor Knavs, had spent years residing in Trump Tower together with their daughter and grandson, Barron Trump, and they also spent considerable time at the Mar-a-Lago estate and Trump National Golf Club in New Jersey.

An insider close to Melania Trump previously noted to PEOPLE that Amalija and Viktor Knavs had long been “instrumental in [Barron's] rearing,” even fostering in him a love of Slovenian food, language, and culture.

Referencing his teenage son's impressive stature and the role he believes his mother-in-law played in it, Donald Trump said, “That's how he got so tall, he only ate her food,” in what was a sweet recollection of a woman who will clearly be missed – yet never forgotten – by so many.