Canadian actress Tedde Moore, best known for her role as Miss Shields in the 1983 film "A Christmas Story," has died at the age of 79. Her family announced her passing, which occurred on August 5 in Huntsville, Ontario.
Moore's family shared on Facebook that she died "under sunny skies overlooking Fairy Lake," surrounded by loved ones. "Forever the teacher, she had a quote for every occasion and a special way of touching the lives and hearts of everyone she met," the post stated. "Her magic and love will be remembered by all she took under her generous and welcoming wings."
A cause of death was not specified. Moore revealed in 2009 that she had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
Born in the United States but raised in Canada, Moore began her acting career in the 1970s. Her portrayal of the teacher Miss Shields in "A Christmas Story," opposite Peter Billingsley, became her most recognized role. She received a Genie Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in the film. Moore reprised the role in the 1994 film "My Summer Story."
Her other film credits include "Second Wind" (1976), "Murder by Decree" (1979), and "Overnight" (1985). In 2011, she appeared as Mrs. Claus in the television movie "Mistletoe over Manhattan" and as Nanny Shaw in the mini-series "The Kennedys."
Moore was the mother of two children with Canadian film and television director Donald Shebib, who died in 2023. Their daughter Suzanna was also a child star, and their son Noah is a Grammy-winning music producer known for his work with Drake. Noah was diagnosed with MS in 2005 at the age of 22.
Moore also had a daughter, Zoe, from a previous relationship and raised a foster daughter. She is survived by five grandchildren.