Beach Boy Matriarch, Audree Wilson, Dies At 80
Musical Legacy Left Behind:
Sons Carl and Brian (The Beach Boys)
and Grandaughters Carnie and Wendy (Wilson-Phillips)

December 2, 1997 11:15 p.m. (PST), Los Angeles, CA — Audree Neva Wilson, mother of Beach Boys founders Brian (55), Carl (50) and Dennis (deceased) died yesterday from heart and kidney failure; she was 80 years old. The ailing matriarch passed at Cedars Sinai in Los Angeles on Monday, December 1 at approximately 11:45 a.m. The immediate family gathered at the hospital in honor of Mrs. Wilson. Private funeral services will be held in the Los Angeles area this week.

Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Audree lived in Southern California for more than fifty years. Married to Murry Wilson, she was widowed in 1973 and never remarried. Although she never performed professionally, Audree played piano and was an accomplished organist. She was often heralded by her son Dennis on stage as she accompanied her family on tour. “We got our musical gifts from our mother,” said Carl in Los Angeles. “She was one of the dearest people in the world and she was loved by all who knew her.”

Carl Wilson’s son, Jonah, noted the true legacy his grandmother created by alluding to the Beach Boys’ global influence on music; he said “without her, the music industry would not look the same as it does today.”

Mrs. Wilson is survived by her two sons, Brian and Carl. Brian’s children are Carnie (29), Wendy (27) and Daria (1). Carl’s children are Jonah (28) and Justyn (26). Dennis’ children include Carl (25), Michael (26), Gage (15) and Jennifer (30).

In leu of flowers, donations may be made to the Madison Middle School Bulldog Band and Orchestra at 13000 Hart Street, North Hollywood, California 91605 818.765.7796, extension 49.
# # #


back to: Beach Boys Backgrounder