Sylvia Browne, celebrity psychic, dead at 77

SAN JOSE, Calif., Nov. 21 (UPI) -- Celebrity psychic, author and lecturer Sylvia Celeste Browne has died at Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose, Calif., her Facebook page said. She was 77.

The cause of her death early Wednesday was not specified.

"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," the message on her Facebook page said.

The Kansas City, Mo., native has said her psychic ability began to manifest at the age of 3. For many years she shared her gift with friends and family, then founded The Nirvana Foundation for Psychic Research, a non-profit organization helping thousands of people gain control of their lives, in 1974.

In 1986, she formed the non-profit organization Society of Novus Spiritus [New Spirit] to promote a community of people dedicated to living a spiritual life based on its Gnostic Christian philosophy.

Browne published more than 50 books, 22 of which appeared 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."

"A beacon that shined for so many was extinguished today, but its brightness was re-lit and will now shine forever for many of us from above," Williams said in a statement Wednesday. "I, like so many of you, lost a friend today. But, as has been for the last 20 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.

A private memorial service is to be scheduled, her Facebook page said.