DEAR ABBY: Last month a dear friend's husband passed away. The death notice placed in the newspaper by her son-in-law closed with, "Memorial donations to the Mary Jane Doe Educational Fund in care of John Doe appreciated."
Abby, Mary Jane is the deceased's 3-year-old granddaughter. John Doe, the deceased's son-in-law (who is a lawyer and is easily able to pay for his daughter's education), was asked, "Is the money to be used for a scholarship for a needy student?"
He answered, "No, it's for my daughter."
John Doe's mother is Jewish. So, is this a Jewish custom? -- CONFUSED IN CANADA'S CAPITAL
DEAR CONFUSED: Your letter is a first. No, it's not a Jewish custom. And the rabbi with whom I discussed your letter was as flabbergasted as I was.