For almost 50 years, Ann Landers shared her advice and compassion through columns in the Journal-World and other newspapers.

The Journal-World was one of the first newspapers to run the Ann Landers advice column and time has proven it was a brilliant decision.

Esther “Eppie” Lederer got started back in 1955, and her work soon began appearing in Lawrence. Her recent death at age 83 silenced one of the most compassionate voices in American history and stilled the flying fingers of Ann Landers at her old typewriter. From the start, she was committed to doing what she could to help people, famous and not famous, rich and poor and in between. She died continuing that service which she outlined during a series of visits to Lawrence for speaking engagements.

It was Ann Landers’ goal to visit as many cities as possible where her column ran, and Lawrence was fortunate to be on her list. Even more than 40 years ago, she packed the houses where she spoke here, including the auditorium at Lawrence High School. She did not tolerate fools and could be curt under certain circumstances. But never did she turn away someone who was hurting or needed help.

During one visit with the Journal-World staff, Ann stressed why she operated as she did.

“We tend to think we are educated and logical, and yet when we are faced with serious problems, it makes no difference how ‘smart’ or ‘worldly’ we may be. Emotions take command and too often we do not know where to turn to take into account that there are ministers, doctors, financial advisers, psychiatrists, all kinds of caring, well-trained people who can help us if we will only seek them out. I try to guide people into those directions.”

Eppie over the years compiled lists of “sources” for help in the towns and areas where her column appeared in print. She would respond privately to people with lists of those people so they could seek help.

“There is no greater feeling in the world than knowing you might have assisted someone in getting the guidance they need in a trying time,” Ann told a Journal-World staff member. “I don’t have most answers, but there are many people who do. If I can have a hand in steering people in the right direction to find healing, that’s all I want or need.”

The fact this dedicated, charming and considerate woman was still reaching more than 90 million people a day through her column shows just how famously she succeeded still the same person in 2002 that she was in 1955 when her crusade in caring began.

Through her columns and other efforts, Ann Landers wrote the book on how to make a positive difference in the world. Ann Landers was truly one of a kind. Nobody will ever do things quite the way, or often as well, as she did. Nobody will top her, but others would do well to try to match her intelligent compassion.