NADA HARCOURT

1937-2024 Darling daughter, glamourous wife, coolest mom, dear auntie, treasured friend. After a long, wonderful life, our beloved Nada passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family. Nada began her distinguished career at CBC TV in 1960 as a script assistant on daily newscasts, election coverage and later, documentaries. One day in a smoky newsroom she met Bill, a dashing journalist. They soon married, beginning a lively, often hilarious conversation that lasted 45 years. After a break to focus on motherhood, Nada was asked to return to CBC TV in 1972 as deputy to Executive Producer Jim Murray on the eight-part series "The National Dream." Next, she joined Children's TV and was appointed Area Head in 1981. Nada was a pioneer in establishing creative partnerships with the independent film community, developing emotionally resonant, character-driven programs about young people. She was passionate about scripts, incisive about story and dedicated to promoting talent on both sides of the camera. Among her early projects were "Kids of Degrassi Street," "Danger Bay," "Hockey Night," the 1984 Academy Award winning "Boys and Girls," and the "Anne of Green Gables" and "Anne The Sequel" mini-series starring Megan Follows, which broke ratings records and won multiple awards, including several Geminis, an Emmy and a Peabody. In 1987, Nada was named Creative Head of Dramatic Series and spent the next several years developing a long slate of prime-time TV in collaboration with a number of Canada's most talented screenwriters and producers. An illness at the end of her life was physically challenging, but never constrained Nada's curious mind and vivacious, fun-loving spirit; she was immersed in film, literature and world events, acing puzzles and making us laugh until her last day. She will be deeply missed for her wisdom, her wit and the great pleasure of her company. Nada's family would like to thank her physicians, particularly Dr. Abe Hirsz and Dr. Frank Lo for years of excellent care, and superhero Dr. Greg Hare for his generous assistance. Special thank you to sweet sister Cath, cher ami Frederic and sunbeam Christine for steadfast love and support. A celebration of life will take place in the spring. Should you wish, in lieu of flowers, consider a donation to The Stop Community Food Centre (www.thestop.org).