Elizabeth Montgomery, the beloved actress renowned for her iconic role in “Bewitched,” left this world on May 18, 1995, succumbing to colon cancer at the age of 62.
Her passing marked the end of an era for fans and admirers alike.
Following her death, her family opened up about her last moments, revealing that her final wish was to depart this life quietly and in private.
The circumstances surrounding her illness took many by surprise.
Elizabeth was diagnosed with cancer just eight weeks before her passing.
While working on “Deadline for Murder,” a project based on Edna Buchanan’s files, she began to experience flu-like symptoms that were more severe than typical.
Despite losing weight and feeling unusually fatigued, she initially chose to brush off these alarming signs.
After completing her filming commitments, Elizabeth sought medical attention at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
It was there that doctors conducted an exploratory surgery, leading to the devastating diagnosis of colon cancer.
Unfortunately, they determined that she was too frail to undergo radiation therapy, and she was sent home to rest.
William Asher, her third husband and father to her three children, recounted how Elizabeth reacted to the news.
Initially shocked, she soon found herself grappling with anger over her diagnosis.
Just four days later, her condition worsened, necessitating another hospital visit.
This second surgery confirmed what everyone feared—the cancer had advanced, leaving little hope for recovery.
In those final days, William shared that Elizabeth longed to return home, a poignant acceptance of her situation.
Robert Foxworth, her then-husband, described those moments as filled with love and intensity.
Despite her deteriorating health, Elizabeth maintained her sense of humor, joking about wanting piña coladas infused into her IV and cheering for the New York Knicks during a televised game.
On the day of her passing, Elizabeth’s three children—William, Robert Jr., and Rebecca—and her husband gathered in the living room, respecting her wish not to see her in her weakened state.
She took her last breath in her Beverly Hills mansion, where she had lived for years.
In keeping with her desire for privacy, Elizabeth did not have a funeral or memorial service; her body was cremated.
