Erma Bombeck

Re “Erma Bombeck, Columnist, Dies After Transplant,” April 23:

Erma Bombeck was more than clever, she was bright; she was more than funny, she was nice; she was all the things our mothers wished we were, and we wished our children to be. She was noble, too.

She inspired those of us who wanted to be humorous to be original and to be a friend on paper. Not meeting her didn’t keep us from knowing her. I shall miss her.

PEARL BARBER

Los Angeles

* You say Erma Bombeck died? Not really. I have all of her books and numerous newspaper essays, which I will keep for the rest of my life. Erma put smiles on our faces and joy in our souls. People like this live on forever--in our hearts. See you later, Erma.

MARJORIE M. HAYES

Los Alamitos