One of the reasons for the lack of action around here can now be revealed, and I’m afraid it’s not one of those fun reasons…
My mother, Edith Felber, also known as the author Edith Layton, died early Tuesday, before dawn. She’d been fighting cancer rather secretly but determinedly for quite some time. And only very recently did the disease gain the upper hand.
You can find a wonderful tribute, with her friends and fans sharing their experiences of her right here.
Those of us who knew her by her third name, “Mom,” (or as she liked to style it on this site, “Old Mother Felber”) know that we’ve lost a beautifully unique, strong woman whose talent and wit was matched by a fierce, proud, unshakeable love for her children, her late husband, and -of course - her doggies.
We’ll be heading to New York in moments, but feel free to share thoughts or condolences right here.
Fanny Roborat
59 comments
Rob Allen
June 3, 2009 at 7:12 am
1Adam,
Condolences to you and all the Felbers.
tim
June 3, 2009 at 7:44 am
2My deepest sympathies to you and Susie and your entire family.
Hilary
June 3, 2009 at 7:44 am
3I’m so sorry for your loss Adam. Please accept my condolences.
Hilary
piglet
June 3, 2009 at 9:21 am
4Oh, how painful. We love you, Mother Felber. So sorry, Adam and Susie. Group hug.
Brad P. from NJ
June 3, 2009 at 9:30 am
5Adam,
Sorry to hear about your loss. Sending positive thoughts and vibes your way.
Leila
June 3, 2009 at 9:32 am
6My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Jesse
June 3, 2009 at 9:40 am
7I’m sorry to hear about this, Adam. My condolences to you and the family Felber.
SeattleTammy
June 3, 2009 at 9:55 am
8Dear Adam,
Condolences to your family on the loss of this beautiful lady. My thoughts and sympathy go out to you all.
Jim (OJNTNJ)
June 3, 2009 at 10:13 am
9My sincerest condolences to you and your family. We’re all going to miss the wit, wisdom and sense of fair play of “Old Mother Felber.”
Brenda
June 3, 2009 at 10:24 am
10Condolences to all of you and the doggies.
SeattleDan
June 3, 2009 at 10:28 am
11My deepest sympathy to the Felber family on their loss. I loved Old Mother Felber’s contributions to the blog, and looked forward to them. Take care in the meantime, Adam. My thoughts are with you.
Ken, just Ken...
June 3, 2009 at 11:46 am
12Please accept my condolences.
Julie
June 3, 2009 at 12:03 pm
13Adam, I’m so very sorry to hear this. Please pass along my deepest sympathies to all of your family.
gsny
June 3, 2009 at 1:05 pm
14Allow me to join the the rest of your fans in extending my condolences to you and your family.
Aunt Sam
June 3, 2009 at 1:10 pm
15So sorry, Adam & Susie, and the whole of the Layton-Felber clan. Glad she got to see and be seen by your progeny.
J. Bo
June 3, 2009 at 1:40 pm
16Oh, Adam and Susie… I’m just SO very sorry. Old Mother Felber will be missed, even by those who never met her in person.
But I bet she was really glad to know the joy of being a grandma– and a joy it clearly was, if the photo of her with Baz (over on Susie’s blog) is any indication.
Here’s wishing you nothing but warm memories and the loving comfort of friends and family in the coming months.
dee
June 3, 2009 at 1:49 pm
17I always enjoyed Miss Edith’s comments. They were witty, classy and charming, much like the author herself. I never met her, but I didn’t have to to know she was one fine lady. Look at the children she raised!
Adam, Susie — my condolences to both of you and your families.
Harold
June 3, 2009 at 2:59 pm
18I loved reading comments from Old Mother Felber. My deepest condolences to all who knew and loved her.
madbard
June 3, 2009 at 3:45 pm
19i’ve thought the crossposting between all of youse was a fun family activity. condolences and best wishes.
Jason
June 3, 2009 at 4:06 pm
20My heartfelt condolences on your loss…
historyenne
June 3, 2009 at 4:35 pm
21I’m so sorry, Adam and Susie. I always thought her posts showed how deeply proud she was of you, as well as her own wit and style. Deepest condolences to you and the rest of your family.
Just Jay
June 3, 2009 at 6:22 pm
22My condolances to you Adam and your family. I hope you are surrounded by and can draw strength from those you love in this time of grief.
Jay
Dale
June 3, 2009 at 6:56 pm
23My deepest condolences. I am glad that she got to see her two beautiful grandsons and they her.
cooper
June 3, 2009 at 7:05 pm
24Edith was a sweetheart. She once sent my wife a signed copy of one of her books, with the idea of getting her hooked on romance novels. It worked. I never met Edith myself, but I did keep up with her career through Word Wenches. They have tributes to Edith there from her many, many friends and admirers.
http://wordwenches.typepad.com/word_wenches/
Adam, we’ll keep you, Susie and your family in our thoughts this week. Sorry, pal.
cooper
Boomer
June 3, 2009 at 7:20 pm
25And here with photos:
http://felberfrolics.blogspot.com/
Vinnie
June 3, 2009 at 7:24 pm
26Aw Jeez, Adam…..
SallyMutant
June 3, 2009 at 9:35 pm
27I am so sorry for your great loss. I am so glad Mother of All/Edith was able to know Baz and Hugo.
Years ago, an NPR article explored the world of romance writers. I believe it was at some sort of convention. The article showed that all the authors and even some of their agents were helpful, welcoming, encouraging, friendly; basically the opposite of much of what writing/publishing sounds like in the “real” world.
Thanks for the superior Mom and Doggie pic.
Chris Harlan
June 4, 2009 at 12:33 am
28I’m so sorry. My deepest condolences to you and your entire family. I always thought her posts swell. And pithy. It’s good that she got to meet Baz, and he, her. Again, I’m terribly sorry. That’s a hard thing. I know no other words to describe it.
gillian
June 4, 2009 at 3:08 am
29Piglet is right. Group hug. We’re sorry to hear this unhappy news. Be safe on your trip.
It's Pat!
June 4, 2009 at 8:22 am
30I’m very sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts. I know she was a very special person and will be missed greatly not just by you, but by many.
It's another Pat
June 4, 2009 at 8:35 am
31As a dedicated lurker, I had to come out of my cave to offer my condolences. As others have said better than I, Old Mother Felber’s comments were delightful. I have never met her, never read any of her books, but I know she will be missed. I am so sorry.
waterfowler
June 4, 2009 at 9:24 am
32Condolences Felber Clan.
Andrew Schneider
June 4, 2009 at 10:07 am
33Adam, you, Susie and your entire family have my deepest condolences. I was fortunate enough to see her in April while visiting Susie in Jericho. It was the first time I’d seen her in nearly twenty years. I could see how tired she was, but she still had the same warmth, spirit and humor I’d always admired in her. She was a wonderful human being, and the world is a poorer place for her leaving it. Zikhronah livrakha–May her memory be for a blessing.
DouglasG
June 4, 2009 at 1:03 pm
34Old Mother Felber will be greatly missed.
David
June 4, 2009 at 5:23 pm
35Those pictures, those pictures. Thanks for the link, boomer. No other comments ever got my immediate attention the way the sight of Old Mother Felber in the name slot did. She gave us Adam (and Susie), which makes her way beyond special.
I did once have a short exchange with her on her website regarding Adam. I instantly sensed the warm and lively person behind those keystrokes. She will truly be missed.
Benjamin in Bellingham
June 4, 2009 at 5:28 pm
36I am so very sorry.
Brian in NC
June 4, 2009 at 6:01 pm
37My deepest sympathies to you and your entire family. I lost my own mom recently. May your grief be short lived, and your favorite memories last forever.
Jerry Schulman
June 4, 2009 at 10:40 pm
38Dear Adam:
Jerry Schulman
June 4, 2009 at 10:52 pm
39Dear Adam - I learned about your mom at tonight’s “wait wait” taping. My heartfelt sympathies go out to you and your family.
The DanicaFan Club
June 5, 2009 at 3:55 am
40…..
Um…..
…..
…..
…..
…..
I think what the boys are trying to say here is that we hope you can keep in mind the good times you shared with your Mom and cherish those memories of her during this time of loss.
Yeah, that’s right. We’re sorry Adam.
Yeah.
Gary Miller
June 5, 2009 at 7:55 am
41Adam,
So sorry to hear about your mom. I feel like it was yesterday that we were all playing together in your house. Please send my condolences to the rest of your family. All the best. Gary
Shep
June 5, 2009 at 2:19 pm
42Dear Adam, I heard about your mom and just want to express my condolences to you and your family. I know how difficult it is to lose a parent.
Pope Benny 16
June 5, 2009 at 2:59 pm
43I am sorry, my son, for the passing of your dear mother. You are a fine young man; I know she was very proud of you.
chrissy
June 5, 2009 at 6:27 pm
44Hi Adam- SO sorry to hear about your mom. Losing a parent is so difficult. You have my deepest sympathies. And if you find yourself wanting to just forget everything for a while (at an absurd little NYC dive bar), I’ll be bartending at Odessa on Ave A tomorrow night, and drinks are on the house!
Zee Man
June 6, 2009 at 7:42 am
45Another tribute. Sorry to hear this sad news, Adam and Susie.
http://www.smartbitchestrashybooks.com/index.php/weblog/comments/edith -layton/
David
June 6, 2009 at 9:24 am
46A hoot owl in one of our trees here on the edge of the Green Swamp is carrying on a conversation with another hoot owl at the moment (midday Saturday). Best I can tell, they too are talking about the Mother of All Felbers and wondering how best send their thoughts along to Adam and Susie and all of the Felber Clan, so I’ll just do it for them.
Zeke
June 6, 2009 at 12:20 pm
47I love those pictures, Boomer. What a smile!
I’ve got to tell you a story. Ginger and I were out this afternoon moving the sheep from the high pasture to the one down by the creekside. I happened to look over at the cows on the hill and I swear, one of the heifers has a brown marking on it’s side that reminded me of your mom’s smile. OK, it’s a little crooked, but who cares? I’d never noticed that before. I’m calling her Edith now. Dad got all up in my face (what’s new there?) about naming a cow, which is usually frowned upon in animal husbandry circles, but I’m calling her that when he’s not around.
Did I get here too late for the group hug? Sorry, Susie and Adam. Warm, kind thoughts to you both.
becca (and brian)
June 7, 2009 at 7:03 pm
48Adam-
We’re so very very sorry to hear the news of your family’s loss. You (and your humor and blog) have been a source of comfort for so many of us over the years, I only hope that somehow we can provide even a modicum of that comfort and support back to you. Piglet is right: we’re all here for a group hug for you and Susie.
Your mother’s witty, insightful, and caring comments here gave those of us who didn’t know her a little window into what a remarkable women she was. She’ll be remembered not only by her friends and family, but also by those of us here, by all the fans of her books, and by everybody who sees her wonderful sense of humor living through you and Susie.
Having lost my Dad to cancer a few years before Kai was born, I’m happy for you that she was able to spend time with Hugo and Baz. Use those memories as comfort over the coming weeks and months and years.
B&B
Mr Mu
June 8, 2009 at 7:35 pm
49I can’t really say anything but it’s impossible to say nothing.Add my condolences.
Linkmeister
June 9, 2009 at 10:28 pm
50I’m very sorry for your loss, Adam, Susie and the rest of the family.
Ann
June 10, 2009 at 2:05 pm
51Oh, mothers know and love us like nobody else can. Even though my mother is 80, I still wish I could sit in her lap and have her hold me. When I’m sick, just talking to her on the phone makes me better. When something in my life turns out well, I know I can tell her about it and she won’t think I’m bragging.
Adam, I know that Edith was all of those things and more to you and Susie. In some ways, you may come to know her better now through the stories everyone tells you, and you’ll find yourself laughing despite the pain, saying “Yes, that sounds just like her,” or “Really? I had no idea!”
I’m so glad that you have a circle of family and friends who can support you during this time of grieving. Please let them!
All my sympathy,
Melinda Ann
hedera
June 10, 2009 at 3:43 pm
52Adam (and Susie) - my deepest sympathies on the loss of your mother. I just found out - I was on vacation with only intermittent Internet access. I read several of her books and respected her as one of the best historical romance writers around.
craig
June 10, 2009 at 8:10 pm
53Adam (and family)
I am saddened to hear of your loss. I had the honor of sharing a Seder hosted by your Mom and she truly was a remarkable warm and sharing human being.
Adam, you and your siblings have many wonderful memories, I’m sure. You will be able to recall these and cherish them. My sympathies go to Baz who will grow up without knowing first hand what a wonderful person his grandmother was. Luckily, the little guy is blessed to have been born in to a family of storytellers who can regale him with tales of the old country (Long Island).
My condolences. May you be comforted among mourners.
cuz
June 13, 2009 at 9:20 am
54My deepest condolences.
Laura
June 16, 2009 at 2:39 pm
55I have never left a comment on here. I lost both of my parents within one month in 2005. Peace be with you and your family. Take care of the dogs.
Sophia
June 17, 2009 at 4:33 pm
56My first comment here as well, Laura. I tell you, sometimes Mickey can be such a irresponsible, uncultured little twit. He just now told me about your mother, Adam. I’m so sorry. I know she was a very talented and imaginative writer. As a matter of fact, I was reading one of her books (The Duke’s Wager?) when I was down in Honduras a couple of years ago, but we had to drop everything and leave the country instantaneously in the bilge of a stolen banana boat, so I never finished it. Everyone here has said what a kind, warm, and generous person she was. I wish I could have known her.
Mickey wanted to say he’s sorry for your loss. And he would have, too, but he’d rather have a front tooth extracted than to write a letter or a card of condolence of any sort. What a putz he can be! Mickey certainly is fun and exciting and interesting to be around, but he has such huge, gaping holes in his upbringing. Maybe he really was raised by wolves.
Sophia
June 18, 2009 at 5:56 am
57I should have added that Mickey really, really loves dogs and they all love him. I’ve never seen anything like it. Snarling, aggressive guard dogs start to whimper and put their heads to the ground when he comes up to them and scratches their head or jaw. He tells me “I’m a dog whisperer, Sophie”. I tell him it’s probably his breath that put the dogs into submission and that he should attend to his hygiene more faithfully. Mickey and Edith would have had a lot to talk about. You know, the wolf-raised scenario would definitely explain his table manners. Maybe the dog whispering, too.
sharon
June 23, 2009 at 7:04 am
58Very sorry to learn, belatedly, of your loss, Adam. I have been in the process of graduating school, moving to NH, and starting a new job, and I haven’t been keeping up with the blog
David
June 25, 2009 at 5:37 pm
59sharon,
You are moving to the state that boasts a friend of half a century. I knew her as an architecture student at UF, but she abandoned that for working in the War on Poverty down in Palm Beach County, which while at its eastern edge it is super wealth city, western Palm Beach County extends to Lake Okechobee, and is the #1 agricultural county in Florida. From there it was up to NH, a family, and life as a woodcarver.
May NH work whatever of its magic is right for you on you.
Do I remember correctly that you are from Texas?