When I was 11 years old my parents took me to see my first Broadway musical No Strings with Bernice. I was so dazzled, that I wrote Bernice a fan letter. She replied. I kept up a correspondence with her and saw her in What Makes Sammy Run, with my grandmother. I sent a note backstage and she invited us both backstage to meet her, had a photographer take a photo of us together and then sent the to me. I was so thrilled. I saw her again some years later in Man of La Mancha. Again she invited me backstage. She was such a kind soul and seemed so vivacious and had the most wonderful voice. I always signed my letters, your no. 1 fan. Thank you, Bernice for the tenderness you showed
me when I was so very young and starstruck. Your no. 1 fan, Marsha. May your soul sing to the angels.