Pauline Friedman Phillips, who wrote under the name Abigail Van Buren, who was usually just called “Dear Abby,” passed away Wednesday afternoon. Phillips’ daughter, Jeanne Phillips, took over the column in 2002, when the original Abby was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. She went by “Abby” to friends and family her entire life (her sister, Eppie—whom the world knew as “Ann Landers”—retained her given name in her personal life) and was much loved for her mannerly advice, which managed to stay relevant and interesting even as she grew older and advice columns became less vogue …
