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Nora Ephron Obituary

Nora Ephron, the author, screenwriter and playwright whose wry take on life, love and loss informed the hit films "When Harry Met Sally" and "Sleepless in Seattle" as well as the novel "Heartburn," about the breakup of her marriage to journalist Carl Bernstein, has died. She was 71.

Ephron died Tuesday in Manhattan, her longtime home, the New York Times reported. The cause was pneumonia brought on by acute myeloid leukemia, the newspaper said, citing her son, Jacob Bernstein.
Published by Mercury News on Jun. 26, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Nora Ephron

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221 Entries

Reggie Richardson

March 22, 2019

To the family of nora ephron may the Lord give you peace

Harry Simpson

June 26, 2016

Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us. Godspeed.

DC Milton

March 23, 2016

Incredible woman!!!

Lisa Weiner

February 3, 2013

To Nora Ephron,
You did a great job directing When Harry met Sally, You got mail, Sleepless in Seatlle, etc. My prayers go to your family. Lisa Weiner

Lisa Weiner

February 3, 2013

To Nora Ephron,
You did an excellent job directing When Harry Met Sally,and Sleepless in Seatille. My prayers are with your family, Lisa Weiner

Lisa Weiner

February 3, 2013

To Nora Ephron,
You did an excellent job directing When Harry met Sally and Sleepless in Seatille. My prayers are with you Miss Ephron. Lisa Weiner

July 30, 2012

An exceptional mind and a terrific wit,
that, especially, women will truly miss.

Betty and Kimberly Kiel Tribute to Nora Ephron

Betty and Kimberly Kiel

July 8, 2012

“Who Loves Ya Baby? We Loved Her So . . . But God Loved Her Best”

In Loving Memory of Nora Ephron

Ms. Ephron was a wonderful teacher who taught us some valuable lessons. She even taught us the “Rules” to test a Relationship:

The Test:

A. He's Your “Friend”
B. He Listens.
C. He's Available.
D. He Shows You.

Your Response:

A. Thank You! (That was good!)
That Infamous “Diner Scene!” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-bsf2x-aeE

Through laughter and tears, Ms. Ephron showed us through film, with her wonderful “word magic!”

How did she know that whatever she wrote or co-wrote would awaken emotions in us that we could never put into words? Sometimes we laughed, sometimes we cried, sometimes we wished we could watch her movies all day . . .(So we went out and purchased them, and replayed them until they were worn out. When on a business trip, during bad break-ups, we found our way to the nearest video store and purchased our 5th copy of “When Harry Met Sally” just to ease the pain and give us that twinge of “hope” that “not all was lost!”)... We did not want to go to work . . . Or live in the “real world,” take care of the sweet kids or deal with the “imperfect” person in our own life because Tom Hanks and Billy Crystal were perfect-- and of course Meg Ryan and Meryl Streep were wonderful, funny and strong! Whatever “magic” God gave Ms. Ephron, she cast the spell on us with her “Word Wand,” that left us wanting more-- We are so sorry for the pain she endured... So God was merciful and we hope He was gentle. Thank you for sharing her with us! We know you will miss her all the more because she was “Yours!” But, believe me- Ms. Ephron touched so many people, world-wide, we believe God Himself and the Angels in Heaven are laughing and crying with her right down as they welcomed her “Home” to Life Eternal with the worlds “Well Done My Good and Faithful Servant.”

Every time we break out “When Harry Met Sally,” “You've Got Mail” and “Sleepless in Seattle,” especially during the holidays, we go through a range of emotions-- She will forever live in our hearts. Ms. Ephron, you made the world laugh until “They” cried. Rest in Peace, Ms. Ephron. Your movies, screenplays and novels continue to light up our lives.

What an ending to a “perfect” script. We should all be so Blessed!

“Weeping may endure for a night … but Joy cometh in the morning.”

Please accept our deepest sympathy in the loss of your “Star!” We believe that “It is by dying that one receives Everlasting Life.”

May Ms. Ephron forever live in your minds and hearts as she will in ours!

Our Inspiration: “You Light Up My Life” By: Debbie Boon
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nC9sEAqEjxs

With Heartfelt Sympathy,
Betty and Kimberly Kiel
[email protected]
“7”


~

Betty and Kimberly Kiel,

Pearland, TX, Texas

July 6, 2012

fab obit HI.

Margot Treanor Lovell

July 5, 2012

I am so sorry. She was an inspiration to me. So happy to have her books and movies

C

July 5, 2012

Jacob & Max.....my deepest sympathy...you had a fabulous mom!

justice chukwuma

July 4, 2012

take heart 4 d loss, God will c u tru

July 3, 2012

It was good to ha someone in the world who was comfortable with her intellect and sensibilities if not comfortable with neck "wattles". Her work will continue to be appreciated

Linda Bjork

July 2, 2012

I am watching your movies and reading over your books this week. Thank you for being you and allowing me to find connections with your world.

C C

July 2, 2012

Nora dear one...je ne regrette rien!

Michael Ondrovich

July 1, 2012

A very accomplished woman who broke many barriers. She will be missed.

Tommye

July 1, 2012

A wonderful author and person. She was important to me.

Jackie Byrn

July 1, 2012

The Mink Coat.....brilliant.....thank-you Nora for helping me make sense of my world via your words. You leave your children a priceless legacy. Adieu Nora and merci mille fois from Western Canada.

Gloria Buono-Daly

July 1, 2012

Truly a talent with an amazing gift. With deepest sympathy to her family. Suddenly, I don't "feel bad about my neck!"

July 1, 2012

A life well lived and loved. Thank you for sharing your talent with the world. Deepest condolences to the family. May the God of all comfort provide the needed strength, comfort and hope while you await the time to see her again as Jesus promised.

Linda Worth

June 30, 2012

I am so sorry for your loss. You will always have her words and memories and pictures to cloak yourselves in. Heaven may be beyond the stars,but a loved one stays as close, as the beat of your heart. God bless all of you.

June 30, 2012

With deepest sympathy to the Ephron family during your time of grief...Psalm 46:1...God is for us a refuge and strength, A help that is readily to be found during difficult times...May God provide you with peace and comfort to endure the days ahead

L. S.

June 30, 2012

Dear Nora - You are the "other me" I always aspired to be but never was, and so, I thank you for fully living your life, knowing and sharing your talents, and raising all of us up in this world. I'm so sorry you are gone and it is way too soon. Love you.

C. G.

June 30, 2012

I pray that God will give you comfort. Cherish the memories of your loved one. (Isaiah61:2) Nora had a tremendous talent.

Helen Merino

June 30, 2012

I have always admired Ms. Ephron for her ability to be clear headed and dreamy eyed, all at once. Her sharp and ruthless mind made her sweet dreams all the more plausible, all the more useful to the rest of us. I am glad to have been able, even from my distance, to enjoy her extraordinary existence.

I wish any intimately connected with Ms. Ephron strength. May the comfort of loving and having been loved by her compensate you for your loss.

joanne H

June 30, 2012

God bless Nora Ephron and her family.Her talent was and is great!!

Judy Ferber

June 30, 2012

I loved your movies. You touched my soul. I'm thinking of you now and sad knowing you are no longer with us. You gave so much to so many -- it's very rare for a person to touch so many people. RIP -

Betty and Kimberly Kiel

June 30, 2012

“Who Loves Ya Baby? We Loved Her So . . . But God Loved Her Best”
In Loving Memory of Nora Ephron

Ms. Ephron was a wonderful teacher who taught us some valuable lessons. She even taught us the “Rules” to test a Relationship:

The Test:

A. He's Your “Friend”
B. He Listens.
C. He's Available.
D. He Shows You.

Your Response:

A. Thank You! (That was good!)
That Infamous “Diner Scene!” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-bsf2x-aeE

Through laughter and tears, Ms. Ephron showed us through film, with her wonderful “word magic!”

How did she know that whatever she wrote or co-wrote would awaken emotions in us that we could never put into words? Sometimes we laughed, sometimes we cried, sometimes we wished we could watch her movies all day . . .(So we went out and purchased them, and replayed them until they were worn out. When on a business trip, during bad break-ups, we found our way to the nearest video store and purchased our 5th copy of “When Harry Met Sally” just to ease the pain and give us that twinge of “hope” that “not all was lost!”)... Not have to go to work . . . Or live in the “real world,” take care of the sweet kids or deal with the “imperfect” person in our own life because Tom Hanks and Billy Crystal were perfect-- and of course Meg Ryan and Meryl Streep were wonderful, funny and strong! Whatever “magic” God gave Ms. Ephron, she cast the spell on us with her “Word Wan,” that left us wanting more-- We are so sorry for the pain she endured... So God was merciful and we hope He was gentle. Thank you for sharing her with us! We know you will miss her all the more because she was “Yours!” But, believe me- Ms. Ephron touched so many people, world-wide, we believe God Himself and the Angels in Heaven are laughing and crying with her right down as they welcomed her “Home” to Life Eternal with the worlds “Well Done My Good and Faithful Servant.”

Every time we break out “When Harry Met Sally,” “You've Got Mail” and “Sleepless in Seattle,” especially during the holidays, we go through a range of emotions-- She will forever live in our hearts. Ms. Ephron, you made the world laugh until “They” cried. Rest in Peace, Ms. Ephron. Your movies, screenplays and novels continue to light up our lives.

What an ending to a “perfect” script. We should all be so Blessed!

“Weeping may endure for a night … but Joy cometh in the morning.”

Please accept our deepest sympathy in the loss of your “Star!” We believe that “It is by dying that one receives Everlasting Life.”

May Ms. Ephron forever live in your minds and hearts as she will in ours!

Our Inspiration: “You Light Up My Life” In Memory of: Debbie Boon
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nC9sEAqEjxs

With Heartfelt Sympathy,
Betty and Kimberly Kiel
[email protected]
“7”

June 30, 2012

To the Family-
“May the Lord of peace himself give you peace constantly in every way. The Lord be with all
of you.” -- 2 Thessalonians 3:16

June 30, 2012

Too. Short. A. Life. Who. Gave. So. Much. And had so. Much. More. To. Give One. Strong. Woman. And. So. Talented. My deepest. Sympathy and. Prayers. For. Her. Entire. Family.

Sarita Pearce

June 30, 2012

To a woman who brought so much joy to so many through her wonderful works. To be able to touch some one emotionally through your talent must be a great gift. Her writings have and will remain favorites of mine for the rest of my life.

June 29, 2012

God bless this family during this most difficult time. Praying for your family.

June 29, 2012

Dear Family,
I was so very sorry to hear of your loss. I did not know Nora, except for the wonderful hours of enjoyment through her films. I will miss her. I am praying for your family.

May the Lord Bless and Keep You,

Linda M. Wilson
Akron, Ohio
[email protected]

Brucie B

June 29, 2012

So many great memories come to mind. So many wonderful hours appreciating a great writer. Once my Mother and I joined her as part of a group at dinner. Nora found Mom's charm bracelet fascinating and asked her the story behind each charm. Then when Nora came to the Eifel towers she recalled her own first honeymoon to the surprise and amusement of all at the table. The evening was as unforgettable as Nora Ephron herself will always remain.

Deborah Bagg

June 29, 2012

Dear Nora, heartfelt thanks for all your great writing. Your wit and "religion of 'get over it'" have helped me through a few rough patches. And your "Linguine alla cecca" recipe gets raves every time. Best wishes to your family.

Jane Cullens

June 29, 2012

A loss for all ~ a remarkable inspiration to so many, gifted with words of wisdom and a knack of portraying it all from pen to screen.
May she rest in peace.

Cathy C

June 29, 2012

Nora will be greatly missed by us her fans. God Bless.

Joanna G

June 29, 2012

Thank you for giving me so much pleasure over the years. Your work has kept me thinking,laughing & finding the joy & humor in life. Your talent was huge & I will be praying for your family and friends.

kimberly dixon

June 29, 2012

Nora had a wonderful talent.. she will be missed . I pray for the continued strength of her family and friends.

Matthew Kenyon

June 29, 2012

To another great that has passed away you are more then just a Writer or Director and etc. etc. etc... with your careers no you put put heart into your work which no one can ever replace I hope that you have peace now and the pain that you suffered has gone away.

And to the family one of the greats again has passed and praying for you and your family always...

Richard Stevenson

June 29, 2012

I live in NYC. I am more of a studio musician but I have worked in film.

Nora's whom I met once was amazingly creative and realistically touching.

She will be back. I believe in reincarnation with improvement in each life. She is a real loss now.

Realistic, touching and immensly creative.

Margie

June 29, 2012

I have been entertained by many of her works and relateed to many of them, the world it a little less brighter for losing her!

DENISE WILLIAMS

June 29, 2012

MY HEART GOES OUT TO THE FAMILY. AND I WANT TO SAY THAT YOU DID A GOOD JOD AND YOU HAVE EARNED YOUR WINGS.AND YOU ARE ONE OF GOD ANGLES.

Mary Ann Toal

June 29, 2012

I just went to see Loretta Switt and friends in Nora and Delia's play "Love, Loss, and What I Wore" at the Asolo Repertory Theater here in Sarasota, Florida. What a wonderful experience! Thank you so much for all the laughter and warmth that you forever bring into our lives.

Patricia Branham

June 29, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Thank you for bringing so much joy to all of us. You will be missed.

a reader

June 29, 2012

Thank you for being you!

Archbishop Ephraem Bertolette

June 29, 2012

"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints." -Psalm 116:15.We will miss Nora's writing ability. God bless her Memory.

T

June 29, 2012

TO MS NORA EPHRONS' FAMILY AND FRIENDS, MY CONDOLENCES. A HARD WORKER INDEED ENJOYING WHAT SHE PUT HER HANDS TO DO AND WITH ACCOMPLISHMENTS SHE ACHIEVED THEM. SHE ALSO ENJOYED SIMPLY THINGS LIKE BIRDS. IT HELP ME TO APPRECIATE PS. 104:24 WHERE IT SAYS "HOW MANY YOUR WORKS ARE O GOD. . . THE EARTH IS FULL OF YOUR PRODUCTIONS. I HOPE THIS IS OF COMFORT TO YOU.

ER

June 29, 2012

Thank you for all the humanity you found in our relationships, reminding us that why true love is never easy, it is worth any burden. Condolences to your family, friends and fans.

renee c

June 29, 2012

very sorry to hear what happend , Nora you will be truly missed.

Elizabeth R

June 29, 2012

Condolences to Nora's family. The world will miss her greatly. I loved her movies so much and never tired of watching them again and again.

June 28, 2012

Your various writings have inspired me and validated my thinking and feeling over the last 20 years. I will miss you and always have a part of your essence with me. Your thoughts remain important. Carol Crown Point, IN

Stacy Harris

June 28, 2012

I was lucky enough to interview Nora Ephron several years ago when she was the featured speaker at a Jewish Community Center benefit.

I have fond memories of that wonderful day.

My sympathy to Ms. Ephron's family and friends.

Stacy Harris
Publisher/Executive Editor/Media Critic
Stacy's Music Row Report
http://stacyharris.com

geri czarnecki

June 28, 2012

Her life's work will be a treasure for many years to come. RIP Nora.

Laura Hickman

June 28, 2012

I love your movies so much. You will be missed. My deepest sympathy to your family and friends.

Darrin Marion

June 28, 2012

My deepest sorrows Darrin Marion Zionsville

Mary McKenzie

June 28, 2012

What a loss, she was a treasure, always wanted to meet her. RIP Nora

June 28, 2012

May God be with you always Darrin Marion Zionsville IN

Vicky Chapman

June 28, 2012

My condolences to Ms. Ephron's family, friends and fans. Her legacy of work will not be forgotten.

Renee` Ward

June 28, 2012

I've always admired Nora Ephrons work, what an ispirational lady~~ rest in peace

celeste sanford

June 28, 2012

will miss u terribly...

June 28, 2012

What a loss! I loved some of those books and movies...Nora might still be with us if it weren't for his sickness. How wonderful it will be when there is a permanent solution for all illnesses! Isa. 33:24

LISA TAYLOR

June 28, 2012

So sad to hear of Nora's death. I too, love the sound of geese. It makes me think that Nora knew for a long time she was exiting and was fighting it the whole way. Her writings tell us the whole story...but I think that we did not listen or maybe want to hear what she was telling us. My heart goes out to her children, husband and friends.

Harts

June 28, 2012

Our condolences to Nora's family. May our Heavenly Father, the God of comfort and tender mercies be with you. WIth deep sympathy,

Lakeya H.

June 28, 2012

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. (Eccl. 7:1)

P.

June 28, 2012

Nora's book, "I Feel Bad About My Neck", brought me a different attitude towards getting older. I read the book so fast, because I couldn't put it down. I will forever be thankful for her for the laughs I got from reading that book. Laughs are few for me some days. Rest in peace!

Ellen Orchid

June 28, 2012

She was such an inspiration. I loved her work and her willingness to look at the hard/funny truths of life and was so tuned in to womens' feelings and issues, in her own unique voice. I especially loved "Silkwood" and "Heartburn". Her writing was very personal and at the same time, very universal. I met her once, at a Friars Club Roast held at the NY Hilton. I went up to her and tried not to gush. We spoke for a few minutes. She was real, solid, gracious. How I wish I could have been her friend./Ellen Orchid

Michael Vinsang

June 28, 2012

What a Great writer with great wisdom and humor. May she rest in peace.

June 28, 2012

A wonderful talent, enjoyed by many forever. rest in peace.

Valarie Hudson Corbin

June 28, 2012

What an Amazing Lady. She will be dearly Missed.Im Thankful for her Talent an Success that she has left behind so that we will never forget such a Wonderful Lady.

suzanne piscitello

June 28, 2012

i'm so sorry. she got me thru many hard days. suzanne

Lisa Latten

June 28, 2012

Thank you for "Heartburn" and all of other entertainment movies, magazine articles, books, and most of all your humor, and wisdom we (your fans) will miss you dearly.

Martha

June 28, 2012

Rest in Peace Ms. Ephron. Thank you for all you've shared with us.

M. P.

June 28, 2012

This is sad! May she rest in peace. She was an amazing person. I loved julie & julia! She was amazing her time here on earth. May she rest knowing she brought imagination and great stories to life for the world.

Claire Garland

June 28, 2012

Will always enjoy the marriage proposal at the end of You've Got Mail, what gentleness it displayed.

helen traxler

June 28, 2012

you left us with some wonderful works of art in the beautiful stories that are a part of you that will remain immortal to be shared by the world you left behind,may you rest in peace

Claire Corradi

June 28, 2012

Saddened and will miss her brief TV appearances. Loved her books and movies. She truly reflected life, it highs, lows and added humor, the greatest cure.
My sincere condolence to her family and friends. I felt I lost a friend, too.

Dennis Saker

June 28, 2012

Your infectious smile and brilliant turn of the english language will be missed.

mary wingfield

June 28, 2012

so sorry to hear of such a lost of a very talented person . may the fond memories sustain you all .rememeryou can always rely on strength from above. sincerly

linda nunn

June 28, 2012

nora will be missed by many,a very talented woman,loved all her stories.my heart goes out to family and friends,godspeed.

Eva

June 28, 2012

My deepest sympathy to the family and know that God will comfort your heart. Psalms 55:22

Susan Leigh

June 28, 2012

Thank you for the hours of laughter; for putting into words exactly how most of us feel; for your presence. May your memory be for a blessing and your friends and family comforted among the mourners of Zion.

Elle Fagan

June 28, 2012

She will inspire us all , always! Such people are immortal. God's grace.

Judith

June 28, 2012

She made people laugh and look at themselves with humor and honesty. Gone too soon but leaving behind a wondeful legacy. Condolences to her family. I know she will be greatly missed

L. Ellis

June 27, 2012

Sincere condolences to the family!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Carol Edvin

June 27, 2012

You will be missed and never can be replaced....A beautiful writer...RIP

June 27, 2012

My heartfelt condolences go out to Nick and Delia. Knowing Nora was certainly a highlight in my life. Stanley

Donna Mickey

June 27, 2012

You left us way to soon, Nora, but your words will be with us forever. Thank you for the truth in your humor and helping all of us have a hardy good laugh at life's challenges. Rest in peace.

Ron George

June 27, 2012

Even tho I am of the male gender, Nora gave me an insight into a womans soul that made me a true fan and I never missed her works once I found her. I will truely miss her

Pat Dimech

June 27, 2012

I love your movies and books. Thank you for sharing your talents with the world. You made the world a better place. You will live on through your writings.
My deepest sympathy to Nora's family and friends.

Just a Fan

June 27, 2012

Miss Nora...I love you like a sister. My heart is breaking. RIP dear sweet soul.

Glenda

June 27, 2012

I am a basket case. Will miss you my friend although we never met. Thanks for all the words

Marilyn Bellock

June 27, 2012

You lived a messy, complicated, glorious life of exactly your own choosing with confidence, wit and kindness - and unintentionally showed the legions of women who followed you that we could, too. Thank you, Nora.

Georgia Sanders

June 27, 2012

I have loved your movies! You've got Mail, Sleepless and When Harry Met Sally. Seen them so many times over the last 15 years, I drive my kids nuts. Thank-you for sharing your gift. And may you rest in peace.

joe derosa

June 27, 2012

Here's to the next chapter. You have a great neck.
joe derosa

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