Jean Nidetch Obituary

Jean Nidetch, founder of Weight Watchers, died at age 91.

Published by Sun-Sentinel from Apr. 29 to May 1, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Jean Nidetch

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59 Entries

Valenda Newell

November 30, 2016

I had the good fortune of knowing Jean Nidetch through the Clark County school District in Las Vegas, NV. We met in the 90's on a school district committee. I really loved her. She once told me I should write a book about my life after she got to know me. I stumbled across her obituary because I wanted to contact her. I wanted to tell her I was going to dedicate my book to her. She positively impacted so many lives, including mine.
Sincerely, Frances Ruiz

Frances Ruiz

January 2, 2016

To the Family,
I send my deepest condolences. Kean's life has directly effected mine and made it better. May the God of all comfort, take your burdens and relieve you.

Mia

September 10, 2015

My condolences to the Nidetch family. My mother joined Weight Watchers at Preston Center in Dallas in the 1970s. The lessons that she learned there were important ones that I don't think could be found anywhere else at that time. As a very small child I tagged along to those meetings with my Mom, and I still have very happy memories of my strong and beautiful mother weighing in and getting her pin. I also think I have a healthier relationship with food than I would have otherwise. Thank you Ms. Nidetch and God bless.

Gina

August 20, 2015

Rest in peace and thank you for being a pioneer with the weight loss issue.

Inez De Jesus

June 4, 2015

What a woman who is well known for her determination and self-discipline to change her life solving a major problem that plagued her for so many years. Unlike some, Jean exercised great discipline to never allow that problem to resurface and cause sadness. I have never been a Weight Watchers' member, but I have heard many success stories and will forever remember Jean whenever I see the need to make a major change in any areas of my life. It is my determination to constantly examine myself and, like Jean, discipline myself to never return to the nightmare. Family members, take comfort in her love and success. As for me, I so hope to have a chat with her when we meet and enjoy life eternal in Paradise. (Luke 23:43)

Brenda

May 11, 2015

My sincere condolences at the loss of your loved one. Find solace in knowing that God shares your sorrow and wants to be a refuge for you during this difficult time. (Psalm 46:1)

KM

May 6, 2015

I joined Weight Watchers in 1971 in Omaha, Nebraska, attending classes in a church hall on Tuesday evenings. I shed 137 pounds in 9 months, and was the first male in the state of Nebraska to lose over 100 pounds on the Weight Watchers program. I joined the organization, and worked with Weight Watchers for 20 years as executive chef of Weight Watchers in Nebraska and Greater Iowa, Executive VP for Weight Watchers of Central Indiana, an as a manager for the organization I metro Detroit. I met Jean in 1972, and it was like meeting a hero! When I first met her, I said something like "now I have done everything in my life that I ever wanted to do, now I can die".. Of course, Jean reminded me that I had just began to live my life, and that I should work hard to help others live better, healthy thin lives as well. So at age 24, at 163 pounds, instead of at 297 pounds, I did exactly that, starting a group within Weight Watchers focusing on the morbidly obese, we called the group THE CENTURY CLUB..We were successful in helping many people shed 200--300 pounds, all on the Weight Watchers Program...So Jean, you helped to change and save millions of lives all around the world, and you helped a kid from Omaha, Nebraska not only lose and keep off 137 pounds for 43 years, but to live, laugh, and love life as a Weight Watchers Lifetime Member...There must be a special place for you in heaven, Jean . Love, Andrew J. Barna Jr.

Andrew Barna Jr

May 4, 2015

Dear David and family, our deepest condolences, your MOM was a pioneer and will dearly be missed.

Iskow Family

May 4, 2015

Thank you for creating Weight Watchers. Heaven received another Angel. Prayers for your family.

Wanda Rains

May 2, 2015

I love you Jean! Rest In Peace honey! It was a pleasure knowing her personally. The sweetest woman ever! She was a mother to me and a best friend. I will always love you

Nancy Jean Marie

May 2, 2015

Thank you Jean for all the help and wisdom you have given to millions. Rest in Peace

Michelle Horn

May 2, 2015

Ann Iskow

May 2, 2015

I was sorry of your loss , she was a remarkable woman and touch the lives of so many. I would like to comfort the family and friends in Isiah 26:19 we read "Your dead will live. My corpses will rise up. Awake and shout joyfully. And the earth will let those powerless in death come to life." What a wonderful hope we have.

Judy

May 1, 2015

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

John 17:3

May 1, 2015

Jean was an amazing woman who changed so many lives. I feel blessed to have known here. She touched the lives and hearts of so many people helping them lose weight and live longer healthier lives. May she rest in peace. My deepest sympathies to all in your family.

Lisa Craig

May 1, 2015

One woman's thought moved millions of lives. As an employee, I got to share in the joy of giving......because one woman acted on her thought. How simple, how great.
Joan Kane

May 1, 2015

Thank you, Jean, for giving us hope, tools and new lives! Your legacy is a worldwide following of those you have never met, yet unselfishly helped. Bless you!

Beth M

May 1, 2015

I've only been a member for 9 years. I've read Jean's book two times. What an amazing woman whose ideas still are carried out today in WW meetings. She was a great lady who, like my mother, just wanted to be a blond!

Dixie Dugan

May 1, 2015

To the family of Jean nidetch I am so sorry about your loss may God comfort you and your family during this difficult time

Chandra Stevenson

April 30, 2015

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Dorian P

April 30, 2015

What a Lady! I worked for WW 1972-1976 still have the working WW 10 yr anniversary watch. I did not have a Dr visit those 4 yrs such a healthy diet. I bought a dishwasher with my salary from WW. God Bless her precious family.

Jimmie Collier

April 30, 2015

I am a former member who became a lecturer in the 80'she was a great lady
I was from N.E. Philly what a legacy she leaves.

LYNN fISHER

April 30, 2015

To the family of Jean Nidetch

May the God of peace "comfort your heart and make you firm" these difficult times, 2 Thessalonians 2:16,17.

April 30, 2015

Dear David & Family , so sorry to hear of Jean's passing , what a wonderful women who changed so many lives for the better , RIP , LOVE TO ALL , ANDREW STONE - FRANCHISEE - WEIGHT WATCHERS OF GREATER KANSAS CITY , INC.

April 30, 2015

Jean taught me one valuable lesson in life. Sensible dieting works. She will be missed.

Stan

April 30, 2015

rip

michelle plakas-kaiser

April 30, 2015

My condolences.

Alex Galzerano

April 30, 2015

Dear David and Family and WW Family,
God Bless You during this sorrowful time.Your mother will be missed around the world.What a Legacy she left for all of us.With my deepest sympathy
Karen Ann Tougias Deerfield BeachFlorida-Leader2006-2014

Karen Ann Tougias

April 30, 2015

Jean was a source of motivation and encouragement for millions around the globe. May God comfort the family at this time.

C. LeGree

April 30, 2015

My mother and I joined in 1971. I was 14 and lost 30 pounds. You changed my life. I had the honor of meeting you once when you came to Salt Lake city, UT. I still have your autographed picture. God bless you, you will be missed.

Pam Gosdis

April 30, 2015

Jean Nidetch, the star, founder, and visionary of Weight Watchers- all of it!
We lost a living legend and someone who created an empire, a way of life -- and for a few of us -- our whole lives. My mother was one of the original ten franchisees-lost 103 pounds and got a franchise to join Jean in the evangelical 'spreading of the word' of eating the right way. The rest is history!
Rest in peace, Jean.
You changed the lives of millions of us!!
For me- 47 pounds-- and a life out of a storybook!! I am eternally grateful.

Marcie Sothern Gorman

April 30, 2015

GREAT MEAL IN HEAVEN

April 30, 2015

You inspired through your commitment and example. Thank you, Ms. Nidetch for being such a positive force in the lives of so many. RIP.

April 30, 2015

I WOULDN'T BE AT GOAL NOW AFTER MANY YEARS IF IT WASN'T FOR JEAN. I HAVE BEEN OFF AND ON THE PROGRAM SINCE 1069 AND FINALLY GOT SERIOUS AND AM AT GOAL. I MTHANK HER SO MUCH

LOIS KRUSHINSKY

April 30, 2015

I learned most of what I know about nutrition from Jean and Weight Watchers. May her family find comfort in knowing that she changed many lives.

Sherri B

April 30, 2015

I rejoined WW recently and have found that this is truly the way of life. Thank you, Ms. Nidetch, for believing in yourself so we may believe in ourselves. God bless you.

Linda F.

April 30, 2015

So sorry for the loss of this life,may the love of God be your arm........

April 30, 2015

In God's care rest in peace

Dwayne Bickham,Sr.

April 30, 2015

Dear David & Fran
Please accept my sympathy on the passing of Jean
. She was a gem!
I'm so thankful to both of you
for taking the time to bring her to WW Boca a few years back.
It was an honor & fun to meet her.

Kathy Lambert

April 30, 2015

RIP to one of the most inspiring people in the world! On behalf of so many of us (because of you) have attained WW Lifetime membership status, thank you, and farewell, beloved Leader/Lecturer! You will forever shine in the firmament of Heaven as a beacon for all those struggling to improve their health and their lives!! Your legacy will forever live on in our hearts! THANK YOU!!

Patti Neary-Shadle

April 30, 2015

My prayers are with your family at this sad time, let God Almighty be your strength and support. Psalms 83:18. ~I.Needham

April 29, 2015

My sincere condolences to your family . May your family find comfort from God's word.
Psalm 157:3

G Moody

April 29, 2015

Thank you

April 29, 2015

Thank you Jean. God bless you and all those who love you.

Sheila

April 29, 2015

My Mom Sue Stanton was one of the first Lecturers for Weight Watchers and I have many happy memories of meeting Jean when I was a child. I am sorry for her loss, and hold her dear in my memories.

April 29, 2015

sorry to hear about jean we can look back at how dedicated she was in her business. she will be missed greatly.

April 29, 2015

Thank you Jean. You made many dreams come true regarding weight loss. I hope to meet you in Paradise.

April 29, 2015

Rest in Peace

Scott Chamberland

April 29, 2015

I am sorry for the loss of Jean, an innovator of the Wieght Watcher system that help so many people around the world. May you find the comfort and peace God gives to those experiencing the loss of a loved one. (Psalms 145:14)

J. Lewis

April 29, 2015

Simply want to say Thank You and may you rest in peace.

joann hull

April 29, 2015

What a life and amazing story! Jean's idea has affected the lives of so many. May great memories warm your hearts during this difficult time and may God comfort and strengthen you. Psalms 55:22

Johnsons

April 29, 2015

Your legacy lives on and will continue to do so. I can still remember going to a meeting in Queen from Mineola with my Mother back in the day when ww said eat liver once a week! Thank you for helping us all. A job well done. RIP

April 29, 2015

Sorry for your loss. May the GOD of all comfort be with you as you cope with such sorrow. Please find joy in the memories you have of Jean and may it help to ease the pain you are feeling.

April 29, 2015

So grateful to this lady who is making all things possible for me and my husband through Weight Watchers. May she fly with the angels and may God bless each and every one of your family members.

April 29, 2015

We'll miss you !

Adrian Barnette

April 29, 2015

Dear Family,we extend our sympathy to you.May our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ give
you comfort and peace in your
hearts today and the days ahead.Ms.Nidetch blessed many people with the things that helped her.The Hall Family,S.C.

April 29, 2015

My sincere heartfelt condolences to your family John 5 : 28

Jimmie

April 29, 2015

I'm so sorry for your loss. May God comfort you during your time of sorrow. John 6:40

April 29, 2015

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