Although I'm only 18 years old, I am not a stranger to Bea Arthur or any of her work.  And judging by the reactions of many of my friends, they were not a stranger to her work either.

My best memories were growing up and watching her on TV; Bea was the perfect contrast for Estelle Getty's character on "The Golden Girls".  I was so little back then, but looking back on it, these memories really stand out.  And the laughs my parents and I would have will never be forgotten.

And as I grew, I became more aware of Bea's work along with many talented others.  "Star Wars" fans such as myself remember her as Ackmena in the ill-fated 1978 Holiday Special.   Although it had aired way before my time, I thoroughly enjoy seeing and reading about that performance.   A bit appearance in Mel Brooks' "History of the World: Part 1" will never be forgotten by me as well.

I had the chance to write to her back in 2006, and I'm so glad that I was able to thank her for the countless laughs and memories.  That's when I received the autograph above.  To have something like that from her was really inspiring. 

Finally, it was bittersweet to see her back together with Betty and Rue in the recent TV Land awards.  Their age showed, but their friendship showed even stronger.  She will be missed.

Godspeed, Bea.