The skies are a bit darker in Pittsburgh as we say good-bye to one of our beloved singer/songwriters, Jazzy Muse Terwilliger.
Born to a military family on February 16, 1968, Jazzy began her walk through life in Santiago, Chile. Jazzy was brought up into an environment that was rich in education and the arts, which allowed her to flourish academically. Life brought her family back to the United States, where she graduated high school from General McLane High School in 1986. Jazzy then went on to study Nuclear/ High energy Physics at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Life, love and children landed Jazzy in Pittsburgh where she found her home. She spent her time making art and playing music in and around the city, frequently being seen at open mic nights such as Mr. Small’s, Scarpaci’s and Antonio's Pizzeria. She became a Pittsburgh music scene staple with her unique blend of classical notes and modern/progressive lyrics that could captivate any audience that heard it. From performing jazz instrumentals to singing her originals, Jazzy’s many talents were not only entertaining but inimitable.
As we gather information to celebrate the life of Jazzy Muse, we find ourselves reading the words left by her loved ones via the organized GoFundMe that has been established:
“Dear friends of Jazzy and Sharon, I would appreciate a moment of your time.
Many of you already know Jazzy has been struggling with cancer. After almost a year of chemotherapy, radiation, and participating in a clinical trial as a "Hail Mary", Jazzy has been transitioned to palliative care. She is in home hospice as of just a few days ago, with a team of health care workers, visiting family, and her long-time partner, Sharon, working to make her as comfortable as possible.
We were so hopeful we would have more time with Jazzy after nine months of chemotherapy that looked promising, but there is only so much that can be done after a stage four diagnosis of a rare cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, cancer of the bile duct. Several large tumors, and many smaller ones too numerous to count, located in her liver, lungs, and spleen, meant the cancer was inoperable. Cumulative toxicity from chemo halted life-sustaining infusions. In short, nothing was stopping this aggressive cancer, and it was just a matter of time before we arrived here -- far too soon.
For those of you who’ve lost a loved one from cancer, you know there is never enough time. Jazzy had her 57th birthday while a patient on Shadyside Hospital's Oncology floor.
Those of you who know Jazzy know she is someone who brings instant joy wherever she goes. She has a smile that hits you right in the heart. She deeply misses performing with her ukulele (and sometimes guitar) at various Pittsburgh venues, but feels contented knowing that she has taught so many to play and appreciate the mighty little string instrument. Some of you may also know of her esteemed education at MIT and years as a physics instructor at Carnegie Mellon.
Jazzy and Sharon, partners for more than 13 years, are very important to me, and, I hope, to you. The love they have for each other is one from which many other couples could learn. Sharon is quietly spirited and has managed to work her job while coordinating Jazzy’s care. She has had to take a leave from her job to help her partner through this next, very difficult phase. In times of need, one thing I know about Mr. Rogers' neighborhood, is that we help each other out. I am hoping you can pitch in to help ease some of their burden.
Jazzy and Sharon send you all of their love and appreciation!”
The Pittsburgh Music Scene is devastated by the loss of our dear friend, and we will not allow her magic to be forgotten.
If you would like to donate to help her partner Sharon during this troubling time, please follow this link:
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