Jillian Ellisa Weiss

Jillian Ellisa Weiss, age 53, of Hillsborough, NC passed away after a courageous battle with cancer on Saturday, November 25, 2023. Jill was born in Livingston, NJ. An only child, she moved with her parents, Meryle and Gene, to the Miami area at nine months old. As a child in Kendall, FL, she had many friends and loved singing, coloring, reading children’s books, and was in the Brownies. Gene’s love of the beach and ocean was passed on to his daughter. Jilli (her dad’s name for her) became an excellent swimmer with early lessons given by him on their apartment’s rooftop swimming pool. Jill graduated from Miami Sunset Senior High School. She attended Florida International University in Miami and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology.

Jill did not wish to continue her studies in psychology. She launched her life adventure to find her true passion, on an invitation to join a few friends in Washington, DC. Later, Jill ventured to Los Angeles. She experimented with acting, artwork, writing and music. Music became her passion and she met many other talented musicians that became inspirational friends. She achieved success as Spacekitti playing percussive banjo and guitar. She played in a band, made recordings and had a following of fans.

"Spacekitti is the future of electronic sonic exotica. On Galaxy, the mistress of psychedelic trance skillfully merges the trippiest elements of classic popmuzik with rampant ambient drone, all super-stacked into one supersonic package."

“Experimental sound artist Jill Ellisa improvises with various guitars and stringed instruments while manipulating the output through different effects. To accompany her poems, Jill tried to learn the "proper" way of playing guitar and in the process, developed her percussive guitar tapping style which has evoked diverse and humbling comparisons, many she's heard of and a few she's been inspired to learn about..”

Jeffrey Morgan, Creem Magazine

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRiKXoIXKcY

Jill also lived part of her adult life in NC. She had a love for old furniture and antiques, restoring and reselling pieces that she admired. Jill was a strong woman who lived a simple life on her terms. She had lifelong friendships and was often there for friends and family who needed a listening ear. Jill enjoyed spending time with her cousin’s family, which included two elementary school-aged grandchildren, with whom she did art projects and explored instruments and music. Her mother, Meryle, instilled in her a love for all people and animals, and the importance of being caring and compassionate. She shared her home with special, rescued friends - cats named Charcoals, Smokey and Asher. Jill was at peace when surrounded by nature.

Unfortunately, at the age of 34 she was diagnosed and treated for breast cancer. Several years ago the cancer returned, and metastasized to her brain and spine. Her parents helped care for her for a number of months.

Jill is survived by her parents, Meryle Weiss and Eugene Weiss, her Aunt Janet Tonnessen, her cousin Rob Greenberg and his wife Jerri, and many friends from coast to coast. In her final days, she was lovingly cared for at UNC Hospice in Pittsboro, NC.

Fond memories, photographs and expressions of sympathy may be shared at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/greensboro-nc/jillian-weiss-11555832 for the Weiss family.

In honor of Jill’s life, donations can be made to your local animal rescue. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.