Dorothy Van, beloved wife of mama's family producer/writer
Jim Evering just passed away LAST YEAR - in 2002 !

IMDB.com has a FALSE claim that she died of suicide in 1996.
She died at her LA home surrounded by family & nurses
last year- - check LA Times obits if you need - but please
stop perpetuating the rumor that she was suicide.

Dorothy Van succumbed to the ravages of Parkinsons & Alzheimers and was too weak at the end to make ANY decision
about her life - or death. She was a brave soul -- and a creative
presence for the Mama's Family show. She co-wrote many eps
with her husband.

She lives on through her wit & talent.
Thanks for remembering -- but know the truth.

A family friend

Thanks for setting the record straight, Wizzy.

Either way, it's still a sad story.:(

Thank you for posting the truth! I did think that suicide thing was a little far-fetched...I also found out that she was also story editor for Mama's Family, not to mention writer, and also for Silver Spoons as well...what a talented lady!

Parkinsons & Alzheimers, what a combo...the poor soul :(

OMG, then where did they get that false info?! :mad:

Thank you for posting that. It is a very sad story. I will miss Dorothy Van. :( Oh, and BTW, :welcome: to the boards! :)

I actually watched another Dorothy Van written episode today and she really was an excellent writer. I find the shows she wrote to be more enjoyable and funnier than those written by the other writers...

Was this the character who played "Aunt Effie", or "Naomi Harper"? 'Cuz I remember reading topics on some woman who played Aunt Effie that had committed suicide. If so, like "TallGuyinKY" said, where'd the false info come from?

Originally posted by ConservativeBaller
Was this the character who played "Aunt Effie", or "Naomi Harper"? 'Cuz I remember reading topics on some woman who played Aunt Effie that had committed suicide. If so, like "TallGuyinKY" said, where'd the false info come from?

Aunt Effie. I also read the suicide story on IMDB.com Said she had cancer. Hope they correct this! Usually they are a very reliable source!:confused:

They have corrected the info!
:D

Click on Actress Dorothy Van(I)

http://www.imdb.com/Name?Van,+Dorothy+

Thanks. Once again, who was it that first released the false info about her committing suicide?

Originally posted by ConservativeBaller
Thanks. Once again, who was it that first released the false info about her committing suicide?


I was the one who posted this story here after reading it on IMDB. Sorry!:blush: But please don't blame me! It's IMDB who had the false info!:smash:

Okay, no prob. :)

Oh wow....all these years and I thought the rumor was true. I'm just now finding this thread.

Aunt Effie was always one of my favorite characters. I wish she'd been in more episodes.

Oh wow....all these years and I thought the rumor was true. I'm just now finding this thread.

Aunt Effie was always one of my favorite characters. I wish she'd been in more episodes.


I liked Aunt Effie too!!! :) ;)

Aunt Effie was always one of my favorite characters. I wish she'd been in more episodes.

I wish they had included Aunt Effie in the opening credits in the episodes she was in, with a picture of Aunt Effie somewhere in the living room with the credit "guest star Dorothy Van as Aunt Effie". I would have loved this since they included relatives' "guest star" pictures in the living room in seasons 1 and 2 when they would drop by. I know her appearances were sparse enough to not even consider this, but I wish they had done that; I always loved those unique opening titles with the brilliant idea to credit the cast with framed photos in Mama's living room.

I don't condone suicide but the end of her life must have been so sad. Parkinson and Dementia. Just realize I am commenting on her death that happened 13 years ago.