Barbara Billingsley...RIP

Barbara Billingsley, known to millions of TV fans as the pearls-wearing housewife June Cleaver on the classic sitcom 'Leave it to Beaver,' has passed away at the age of 94.

A family spokeswoman said Billingsley died of polymyalgia, a rheumatoid disease, at her home in Santa Monica, Calif.

In a statement, her TV son, Jerry Mathers, said, "I am deeply saddened by the loss of my dear friend and lifetime mentor Barbara Billingsley. She will live in the hearts of her fans as a wonderful actress and be remembered by her friends as a gracious lady."

"She will be deeply missed by all of her family, friends, fans and most especially by me."

Even though Billingsley is probably best known as June, she actually had a long movie career before donning the apron. A ton of roles, actually, often in mysteries, comedies, and dramas, including 'Shadow on the Wall,' 'Trial Without Jury,' 'Dial 1119,' and a ton of uncredited roles in the late '40s and early '50s. And she was a regular on a couple of TV series before 'Beaver,' 'Professional Father' and 'The Brothers.'

One after another, our old friends are gone. The perfect Mom among them. Thank you, Barbara. You were great.