(CNN) -- Barbara Billingsley, who wore a classy pearl necklace and dispensed pearls of wisdom as America's quintessential mom on "Leave it to Beaver," has died at age 94, a family spokeswoman said Saturday. The actress passed away at 2 a.m. (5 a.m. ET) Saturday at her home in Santa Monica, California, after a long illness, spokeswoman Judy Twersky said. A private memorial is being planned. Actor Jerry Mathers, who played Theodore "Beaver" Cleaver, called Billingsley a lifetime mentor. "Barbara was a patient advisor and teacher. She helped me along this challenging journey through life by showing me the importance of manners, and respect for others," Mathers said in a statement. "She will be missed by all of her family, friends, fans and most especially by me."
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Actress Barbara Billingsley dies at home at age 94
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She is best known for her role as June Cleaver
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A private memorial is being planned
I speak jive," Billingsley said in her role -- much different from her @placeholder persona -- as an elderly passenger comforting an ill man on the flight.
June Cleaver