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Joyce Jillson Obituary
Jillson, author of a nationally syndicated astrology column who also divined the stars on behalf of the Reagan administration, died Friday at Cedars Sinai Medical Center of kidney failure, said her former husband, Joseph Gallagher. She was 58.
Her daily astrology column has appeared in nearly 200 newspapers, including the Los Angeles Times and the New York Daily News.
In 1988, Jillson was linked to the Reagan White House after former chief of staff Donald T. Regan wrote in a book that Nancy Reagan consulted astrologers.
Jillson contended she advised Reagan campaign aides to select George H.W. Bush as Reagan's running mate in 1980. Jillson also said she "spent a lot of time" at the White House after the March 1981 assassination attempt on the president.
Born and raised in Cranston, R.I., Jillson attended Boston University on an opera scholarship and later moved to New York to begin a stage career. She won an award as outstanding Broadway newcomer and then moved to Los Angeles to pursue a TV career.
Jillson starred as "Jill Smith" in the 1960s television series "Peyton Place."
She married Gallagher in 1969 and they divorced in 1981.
"She radiated strength and optimism," Gallagher said Tuesday. "All the doctors with whom she dealt with during this very painful illness said she was the bravest, strongest, most optimistic patient they've ever had."
Jillson was a Capricorn, but she regarded herself as a Libra since most of her astrological planets were aligned with that sign, Gallagher said.
"She had a complex and very intellectual approach to astrology," he said.
Holiday Mathis, who had been Jillson's apprentice and editor since 1991, had been co-writing the astrology column the past few months, Creators Syndicate said in a statement.
Jillson and Mathis wrote in advance and the columns they prepared will run through Nov. 6. Starting Nov. 7, the horoscopes will be renamed "Horoscopes by Holiday," but their format will remain the same.
"She took something that was somewhat stodgy and made it full of life - just as she was," said Richard S. Newcombe, president of Creators Syndicate.
Jillson also is survived by her mother, Beatrice H. Twitchell.
43 Entries
Joyce Granville
February 14, 2024
I used to watch her on tv doing her horoscopes. She was so correct on these! Some of you may not know, but Joyce was a singer. She was on Broadway with Anthony Newley in the hit musical called:
"The Roar of the Greasepaint, The Smell of the Crowd". She sang one song with him on the soundtrack called: "My First Love Song". She had a beautiful voice. She was a lovely girl and wrote some books too!
Jerry J
July 9, 2016
As a young boy I looked forward to Joyce's appearances on the Tonight Show. She was my first real crush. Thanks for the memories Joyce.
C. Jillson
June 25, 2010
Miss you.
August 20, 2009
Just two days ago, I had a strong sense of her presence in my life.
So, for me, she is still in my mind and part of my life.
Jane Ranallo Goodman
How you can show support
Vonnie Wilson
August 19, 2009
And Death will be no more. Revelation 21: 1-4
Mrs. Joyce Jillson, you are still being thought of even today!
VICTORIA MANALO
August 2, 2009
it was just a while ago when i learned about joyce death & I was surprised.i came to know her in 1990 and she even sent me a free gift, my birthstone which i put on my ring and presently in my finger .By the way i am a filipina & the reason why i looked for her is my intention to consult again but now i know it's impossible...Joyce, thank you very much for the guidance & for the special souvenir..my birthstone.And most of all thank you for being a part of me...i will always remember you in prayers!-(Victoria..Batangas,Philippines)
Richard H. Herrick
April 23, 2007
Gov. Reagan meet me worked in the Goodwill in Santa Ana, CA October of 1966.
Jane Ranallo Goodman
November 26, 2006
I think of Joyce every day it seems...as she is still guiding me, and watching me and my son, like an angel a wise one. she taught me the universe is abundant and creative. miss her so.
pradeep singh
June 2, 2006
when came to know that joyce jillson passed away its like i missed a great friend who helping millions by her wonderful astrological reading may god blessed her always
josephine a. estrada
May 13, 2006
I was so shock when i find out that Joyce is passed away she's one of a kind she guide me for a long years and my heartfelt condolences to her family and may rest her in peace.
Elva Moore
January 2, 2006
"Many are called but..., few are chosen to do God's work". Your work here on earth has been a blessing to us all who enjoyed your predictions.
Eternal Rest and Love,
lynne thompson
December 27, 2005
I use to hang out with Joyce when we were 12 years old and ride our bikes all over Meshanicut Park. She was a great girl , so pretty and so smart. May God bless you , Joyce. Thank you for the great memories I have of you as a child.
Tara Deming
January 30, 2005
Sunday January 30, 2005, I've been wondering why Joyce Jillson was not writing my horoscopes any longer. I decided to look her up to find that she is gone....When I read of her passing I was and am taken back and I got the chills and I am very very sad. She was always right on, I would sometimes wait to read my horoscope at the end of the day just to see if it was correct. There were countless times she was always right! I Love You Joyce, there will never been anyone like you. Very sad day for me. Very very sad......
linda oneal
December 22, 2004
i was deeply upset to learn of joyce death. i had discovered her a couple of years ago . the best damn astrolger i ever come across. god speed my dear you are truly with your stars now.
joe jacovino
November 3, 2004
Such a sad loss for all in her realm
What a marvelous gift she shared with so many and for so long. I still can't believe she is gone. So many times she was the light of the day. God bless her always and my heart is out to her family and those she left behind. We miss you Joyce
Terry
October 30, 2004
YOU WERE THE BEST.
You will be greatly missed by all of your fans. You were much too young to leave this earthly plane as quickly as you did. Therefore, I was taken by surprize when I read the notice above your column this past week. My condolences and sympathies are extended to your family and friends, at this time.
Peace be to you, dear Joyce.
Loreta Welch
October 27, 2004
I'LL MISS YOU,MY DEAREST JOYCE!!!!
Terry
October 26, 2004
Her columns were genuine, warm and contained a sense of humor which many of us appreciated. She will be missed.
Cheryl Williams
October 26, 2004
A Gentle and Generous Spirit. A daily bright light in my life with words of Wisdom and Faith.
Peace and Grace,
Chris S.
October 14, 2004
Thank you. I remember the first time I read your horoscopes. I was 11 yrs. old and I was changed forever.
Suzanne
October 14, 2004
My deepest sympathy to Joyce's family. She will be missed by so many.
Her columns were the best, and I read mine everyday.
Jane Ranallo Goodman
October 14, 2004
star light star bright, first star I see tonight---will be your spirit. Your insights and energy will live on.
Jane
Patti A.
October 13, 2004
I will miss her column, her advice, and her
very hopeful messages everyday. Thank you, Joyce, for all of your guidance and understanding. Patti.
Elaine M
October 11, 2004
My deepest sympathy to Joyce Jilson's family. Her column was always a must-read & her advice was never sensational or threatening-but always normal and folk-friendly & it always made sense.
LINDA tracy
October 11, 2004
GOD BLESS YOU
katheryn
October 11, 2004
for years i have told my friends that i could swear joyce jillson was following me around with a notebook -- her horoscopes were always so right on the money for me. i will miss reading her over my morning coffee and bagel. i can't help but reflect on the fact that recent columns focused on developing our own psychic abilities...perhaps she was preparing us to be on our own, after all.
james velmoth
October 10, 2004
My deepest sympathy and with Love abundant do I send this message to you,Joyce. God bless you in Spirit always and eternally. Forever do we Live on in the hereafter. Pray for me also,as you are a sweet woman gone to a sweeter place. amen :)
Lou Ricks
October 10, 2004
In 1964, after an appearance on the Tonight Show, I wrote Joyce a letter. She wrote a very nice handwritten response and gave me her backstage number for Roar of the Greasepaint and asked me to call. I did and we had a very nice conversation. I wanted to ask her out but didn't have the guts, an act of cowardice I've always regretted. She was a beautiful, wonderful person. May God bless you all. She is greatly missed.
Selina
October 10, 2004
So sorry for your loss; it's actually a huge loss for us all. I'll miss beginning my day w/Joyce.
Lauren Caruso
October 9, 2004
Seemed like a very nice and beautiful person who displayed that in her column.
Arawana
October 8, 2004
What a gift to have had Joyce's predictions in my life, she gave me foresight into many days of many years. I am sure that heaven celebrated when she arrived........
Robin Covino
October 8, 2004
Your light will forever shine, Joyce. Be at rest and peace. Look down and guide us. Your column has always been one of the first things I check each morning. You are already missed.
Judy
October 8, 2004
I so looked forward to reading her forcasts. What a gift she had. She gave me a lot of surprises. God love her.
Vanessa Van Wieren
October 7, 2004
I have been flipping to the classifieds everyday (except Sundays, then the Currents) for 15 years looking forward to Joyce's horoscope. She was very talented with her gift and will be much missed! Rest in Peace Joyce.
wally pickford
October 7, 2004
10/7 Dear Joyce's Family, I remember the perpetually effervescent Miss Twitchell as a free-spirited, vivacious, attractive girl who survived thrills and greasepaint to re-invent herself for the sake of a more positive-thinking world. She was much to young to leave us. I can still see her dancing on Friday nights, 43 years ago, when as a teenager, she went to Cranston YMCA dances. She brought honor to her family, her friends and her city. God rest her. Wally Pickford
Joseph Santora
October 7, 2004
Joyce will be missed by many. I always read my astrology readings. The day you went unexpectedly I read my Pisces. It was true. I couldn't believe.
I will miss your astrology readings.
Crystal Schnackenberg
October 7, 2004
To the faimly of Joyce Jillson . She is and Angel with her wing's on high. God Bless all of you in your lost..She will be missed my many.
lisa
October 6, 2004
I am shocked, our deepest sympathy goes to her family as for joyce from one psychic to another i know you are helping those up in heaven bless you
Shelly Henderson
October 6, 2004
God Bless the family, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lorrie McComb
October 6, 2004
I'm stunned. My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Ms. Jillson. Shine brightly from above Joyce.
Elva Moore
October 6, 2004
You've read the stars for many years, ... now... you are one of the brightest stars shining from the heavens.
gabriel
October 6, 2004
she was a wonderful lady who will never be forgotten.
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