Julia’s personality was delicious

Russ Parsons’ remembrance of Julia Child (“What Julia Really Taught Us,” Aug. 18) inspired more than 50 letters.

Thanks for the personal story about Julia Child for all of us who felt we knew her though we’d never met her.

Marge and Joe Wyatt

Pasadena

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I cooked my first Thanksgiving dinner at 12, with inspiration from Julia, while my mother was in bed with a broken leg. If Julia taught me anything, it was that I could make whatever I wanted and to enjoy the whole experience.

Ann Rey

Pasadena

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In the mid-’60s I was a twentysomething home from an eye-opening trip to France. I never dreamed that I could reproduce anything resembling French food here in an American kitchen using American ingredients. French cookbooks were daunting. And then along came Julia. My family still remembers my first Marquis au Chocolat, a chocolate butter spongecake. I plan to make one this weekend in her honor.

Suzanne Fishman

Hermosa Beach

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When I was newly married, my husband gave me a copy of “Julia Child and Company.” I was entranced and prepared an entire menu from the book. It was a smashing success, and in a burst of enthusiasm I sent her a note. To my surprise, I received a delightful response. Julia Child gave all of us the courage to be adventuresome with food, and to be sure that it always tasted good and was made with real butter.

Marjorie E. Francis

San Dimas