Jill Louise Silverstein of Germantown, Philadelphia, died peacefully at home on May 1 following a courageous 4 1/2 year journey with several virulent cancers. She is survived by her dearest friend Anne Bourassa, of Philadelphia and Maine, household cats Ruby and Nina, her adoring siblings and their spouses: Susan and Bill Tanguay of Durham NH, Sally and Allan Taylor of Hartford CT, and Jim and Maureen Moisson of Groton MA; and seven remarkable nieces and nephews and their spouses and children. She had a special mentoring and emotional bond with niece Karen Taylor of Baltimore MD.
Born on February 18, 1951, Jill grew up in North Haven CT, but adopted Philadelphia as her home after graduating from Philadelphia College of Art in 1980. She applied her artistic gifts and skills to her paint and wallpapering business as well as to the patient restoration of a once dilapidated 1850s home in Germantown. A lifelong nature lover, Jill also turned an empty backyard lot into a peaceful oasis of native plants and bird habitat.
After studying at the Tri-State Institute of Chinese Medicine in Stamford CT from 1987-91, Jill transitioned to a long career in Asian Bodywork therapies beginning in 1992, as both practitioner and instructor. Her clients appreciated her special abilities as a healer, and several became close and supportive friends over the years.
Jill was very grateful to Dr. Edith Mitchell, NP Eleanor Vanderklok, Dr. Birgit Rakel and the many wonderful specialists at Jefferson Hospital whose knowledge and abilities gave her several good years of “bonus time”. She also felt deeply supported by the attentive work of Dr. Steven Rosenzweig, palliative care specialist and kindred spirit.
Feisty, curious, determined and independent, Jill will be held forever in the hearts of all who love her. And knowing Jill’s gifts of the spirit, she may well be in touch.
Gifts In Jill’s memory can be made to the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education. A private memorial service will be held at a date to be determined.
This is a beautiful tribute to my beloved neighbor! Living across the street from Anne and Jill for 35 years has been a joy and a blessing. Jill enriched my life and I fully expect to feel her spirit brush over me while I am outside in my garden. I will miss her physical presence in my life.
I met Jill a couple of years ago at a meditation class. I suggested we go out for coffee when I found out she lived in Germantown where I had lived for 40 years. I knew exactly which house was hers, about 2 blocks from mine. Our paths crossed about 10 years after I moved away. As I learned more about her interests and accomplishments, and enjoyed her quiet presence, I was eager to know her better. She was managing her illness at this time and seemed to have a calm acceptance of her condition. I am sorry she is no longer in my life but grateful to have met her.
Anne! I’m so sorry for your loss of your beloved friend, your partner for all these years. Love is love is love! At least her suffering is over! She will be much missed and our thoughts will turn to you tenderly. Be well, dear Anne!
I am very sorry to hear about Jill’s passing, and my condolences go out to her partner Anne and to her family. I knew Jill for many years as an acupuncture patient and as a colleague in the Asian medicine community. I regret that we fell out of touch when her illness made travel out my way difficult for her. Jill was a gentle spirit who brought healing and grace into the world – she will be missed.