‘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)

Jan. 17, 2013 12:13 PM PT

Pauline Friedman Phillips, using the pen name Abigail Van Buren, wrote the “Dear Abby” column for more than 40 years, dispensing advice to newspaper readers worldwide on matters as devastating as infidelity and as commonplace as snoring.
Read obituary: Pauline Friedman Phillips dies at 94; original ‘Dear Abby’

“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, a.k.a. Abigail Van Buren

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 and Pauline Friedman Phillips

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)

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‘Dear Abby’ columnist Pauline Friedman Phillips | 1918-2013

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