Billy and his lifelong partner, Jimmy Shields, always stayed in contact with Joan by phone and letter—not only when there was important news, but also to exchange recipes, tidbits of gossip or items of industry business. That year, he was trying to recover from a cancer surgery: “More than anything,” Billy wrote to Joan at Christmas 1972, “I am grateful for the long years of a deep and holy friendship.” She replied, adding her hopes for his speedy recovery and assuring him of prayers that the new year would be one of good health for him and Jimmy.
