Watch CBS News

Weight Watchers Founder, Jean Nidetch, Dies At 91

FARMINGTON HILLS (CBS DETROIT) - Weight Watchers founder Jean Nidetch is being remembered by the largest franchise holder for the company. Nidetch died Wednesday near Fort Lauderdale at the age of 91.

Florine Mark, President and CEO of The Weight Watchers Group, based in Farmington Hills, says the two became best friends when she went to New York from Michigan every month for four months to attend Nidetch's class.

"She was the most motivating woman I have ever met in my life," said Mark. "I must have heard her tell her story a hundred times and each time I laughed and cried as if it were the first time ... she was tall, very imposing."

Mark says Nidetch's legacy is to help people help themselves get healthy and live a better lifestyle.

"I will never forget this wonderful woman, she changed my life," said Mark.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.