I just saw her and Jen in a great show at Christmas here in Philly. It was a sell-out. I had no idea that she had not gone into remission or whatever it would be called from the breast cancer. I never knew Jilline the way you did, I just enjoyed the hell out her unique performances!! I know you will miss her so very much -- particularly in the summer -- but I have to think that a part of her is residing in you and that she would want it that way. — Pip Campbell

I read the tribute script with a glass of wine! What a wonderful honest tribute for such a beautiful life--so funny, sad and touching. Some of the lines had me howling -- some of the lines were just drop dead funny...others showed her off beat sense of humor. I love that...and I love that I got the joke. The tribute showed her human side too--the side she might only share with wonderful friends---"I am here with just the work and I am lonely". What a struggle she must have faced and came through...it seems that she had finally found her way too--and it seems so sad that she isn't here now.

I thought it was so telling when Jilline shared the story of how a woman came up to her and let her know that her 23 year-old daughter was standing straighter after seeing her play! We all had the same reaction--I thought Jilline's line said it best---I am a conduit and caretaker of the most sacred commodity in the world-the Human Spirit!

Its funny, but I had called the Chalfonte at one point after searching for her name on the internet. I called to find out when she would be back in Pittsburgh doing Mondo Mangia. I had left her a message and she called me back--when I talked to her on the phone all I could say was, "I love you and ....when will you be coming back to the burg? I wanted to take my sister from Buffalo to see her." She mentioned that she was performing at the Chalfonte and kind of suggested my sister and I come there to see her. I was actually thinking about it! Our plans fell through--but I can't imagine any other stranger 'suggesting' that I travel from Pittsburgh to Cape May--and my actually considering doing that! That is how much of an impact she had on me. After reading the tribute -- I was not alone!

Jilline touched so many lives! What I didn't mention is that I come from a large family (in more ways than one) and after seeing Jilline dance on the picnic table in front of me--I felt compelled to take many family members to see Jilline perform. It was a poetic statement on my behalf! When we left each performance--I felt a confidence in the group that I am positive wasn't there before! I even carried myself differently on the way home...not slouching. I am different because of her. More confident and open and unafraid.

Had I known at the time there would be other crazy friends of hers celebrating life at the Chalfonte---I would have made a greater effort! I think it was wonderful that there was a tribute for her in the place it seems she was most at home...I hope her spirit is alive and well at the Chalfonte--and it seems it is.