‘Dear Abby’ columnist Pauline Friedman Phillips | 1918-2013
Pauline Friedman Phillips, a.k.a. Abigail Van Buren, takes a break from reading letters for her “Dear Abby” column inside her home office in Beverly Hills. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)
“Dear Abby” writer Pauline Friedman Phillips, left, and her twin sister, Eppie Lederer -- known professionally as Ann Landers -- attend their 50th high school reunion in Sioux City, Iowa. (John Gaps III / Associated Press)
Pauline Friedman Phillips -- also known as Abigail Van Buren, the first writer of the “Dear Abby” column -- holds a photograph showing her mother and father. (Doug Pizac / Associated Press)
Jeanne Phillips, left, and her mother Pauline Friedman Phillips -- the original writer of the “Dear Abby” column -- attend the unveiling of “Dear Abby’s” star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. (J. P. Aussenard / WireImage)
Pauline Friedman Phillips signs autographs after the dedication of a “Dear Abby” star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. (Reed Saxon / Associated Press)