Letters: A ‘Dear Abby’ indeed

Re “‘Dear Abby’ gave advice for over 40 years,” Obituary, Jan. 18

As a lawyer, I had the privilege of representing “Dear Abby” columnist Pauline Friedman Phillips for many years and considered her not only a valued client but also a warm and caring friend.

Phillips’ wit and intelligence were legendary and she took her advisory role quite seriously. Often, before responding to a reader’s inquiry, she would call upon her cadre of professionals to formulate the best constructive response.

She loved people and was dedicated to their needs. Once, when my wife called upon her to speak at a large benefit for a mental health clinic, she received a rather significant fee. At the end of her speech, she gave me a check payable to the charity for the full amount she had received.

To all of us who knew her, she was indeed, a very dear “Dear Abby.”

Barry S. Rubin

Beverly Hills

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