She was born to Robert C. Torvund and the late Jean Marie Villani, Nov. 29, 1957, in Denver, CO. Jill graduated from the University of New Mexico with a degree in music and played violin with the New Mexico Symphony. She then received a Masters Degree in Voice from the University of Southern California. She sang opera at Verdi Ristorante Di Musica in Santa Monica California where she met her husband Tom Meseroll, the bar manager at the restaurant. They were married June 21st, 1990 at Grace Lutheran in Santa Monica. After Verdi closed, Tom went back to school and obtained a Masters Degree in Geophysics and Space Physics from UCLA, while Jill worked as a book keeper. Their daughter Melina Marie Meseroll was born on July 8th, 1993 and their son Trevor Gene Meseroll. Tom went to work in the Aerospace Industry while Jill managed the household and led family activities at 5101 Randall Street.
Jill always had a love for music. This continually manifested itself through singing. She instilled in her children a love of music, which she continually taught them. Jill belonged to the Santa Monica Tennis Club and played tennis almost daily. She was co-captain on two tennis teams on the Westside. She was an avid quilter, loved golf, and especially enjoyed spending time in the mountains of California with her family. She returned often to her birthplace in Colorado where she spent time with her family and friends, quite often spending time in Breckenridge. She and her family also spent time in the Western Sierras in the town of Murphys, where her Father and wife Sharon live.
Jill was a survivor of Colon cancer. In January of 2011, Jill & Tom spent ten days in Italy traveling from Rome to Florence to Venice and finally to Milan to see Tosca at La Strada. Every year Tom & Jill host the McBride Magic & Mystery School party kicking off the international troupe’s week of performances at the Magic Castle in Hollywood.
Jill’s passing was a shock to all since she was in such superb physical condition. She had broken her wrist in two places while playing tennis. Before the corrective surgery even began, she had a massive aneurism in her brain. She never recovered and passed away at the UCLA Ronald Reagan Neurological Center surrounded by friends and family.
Jill is survived by her husband: Tom Meseroll, her two children Melina and Trevor; her father and stepmother, Bob Torvund and Sharon Scott Torvund; brother Robert Torvund Jr., and sister Barbara Garzelloni & husband Dan and sister Robin Hassard & husband Charlie.
The family is requesting that donations be made to the UCLA Health System Department of Neurology, Westwood Campus.
A Celebration of her Life will be held from 2 P.M. to 6 P.M. at the family’s home, 5101 Randall St., Culver City, CA 90230, (Phone 310-390-5007).
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