For nearly six decades, Sylvia Browne dedicated her life to helping others as a spiritual guide through private readings, past-life regressions and prayer groups that spanned the globe. Having been called upon to assist individuals, families, and law enforcement agencies across the U.S. and Canada on criminal investigations, she worked tirelessly as an advocate for justice, receiving several commendations for the positive impact her contributions provided.
Browne grew up in Kansas City, MO where her spiritual psychic ability began to manifest at the age of three. For many years she shared her gift with friends and family, gaining a reputation for accuracy with her trademark down-to-earth approach and sense of humor and became very well known for helping people even before moving to California in 1964. In 1974, she founded The Nirvana Foundation for Psychic Research, a nonprofit organization helping thousands of people gain control of their lives, live more happily, understand the meaning of life, and to find God in their own unique way. In 1986, she formed the nonprofit organization, Society of Novus Spiritus (New Spirit) to promote a community of people who are dedicated to living a spiritual life based on its Gnostic Christian philosophy.
Browne's certainty in the existence of reincarnation remained a central theme in her philosophy and she believed it held the key to understanding life, though never imposing her values upon anyone. Often, she had been quoted as saying, "Take with you what you want and leave the rest behind."
A best-selling author, Browne published over 50 works throughout her life with 22 appearing on the New York Times Bestsellers List. She was also a frequent guest on radio and television shows including Larry King Live and The Montel Williams Show, where Browne's appearances quickly became a popular weekly highlight among regular viewers for over 17 years.
"A beacon that shined for so many was extinguished today, but its brightness was relit and will now shine forever for many of us from above," said Williams. "I, like so many of you, lost a friend today. But, as has been for the last twenty years, she'll always remain a part of me. My thoughts and prayers go out to Sylvia's family in this time of loss."
Browne is survived by her husband Michael Ulery, sons Christopher and Paul Dufresne, three grandchildren, Angelia, Jeffrey, and William; and her sister Sharon Bortolussi.
