Esther (Eppie) Lederer, who as Ann Landers was perhaps the most widely read columnist in North America, and a fixture in The Royal Gazette for decades, gave advice which combined common sense wisdom with respect for her readers.

Her ability to tackle issues large and small made her, in the words of one of her colleagues, the "gold standard" for advice columnists.

Bob Greene, a syndicated columnist for the Tribune, said she knew how to connect with readers through her words.

"There was just no wall between Eppie and her readers. It just went directly from her to them. It's magic and she had it," he said and he was right.

She was also notable for two other characteristics that other columnists and journalist would do well to emulate. She was not afraid to consult experts on subjects she was unsure of.

And she was not afraid to publish views that contradicted her own and to admit when she had goofed and given out bad advice. It is to her credit that that happened rarely, especially given that she willingly tackled controversial issues including AIDS, homosexuality and abortion.

She also kept up with the times, even at the age of 83, and maintained an open mind as the world changed from the time she replaced the original Ann Landers in 1955.

Now, the column comes to an end and with it, the name Ann Landers. This is correct. How could anyone else become Ann Landers?

Instead, her syndicate, Creators, will offer a column called Ann's Mailbox, written by the editors of Ann Landers. The Royal Gazette will take up the column, but welcomes suggestions on potential replacements.

Whoever does take the place of Ann Landers will have a hard time improving on her combination of direct advice and her deft touch.