Tedde Moore, best known for her role as Ralphie Parker's teacher in the 1983 classic A Christmas Story, has died at the age of 79. Her family confirmed the news in a heartfelt tribute posted on Facebook.
Moore passed away on 5 August in Huntsville, Ontario. The statement read: "On Wednesday, August 5th, under sunny skies overlooking Fairy Lake, Tedde passed away surrounded by family, physically and spiritually, in her beloved Huntsville Muskoka."
"Her bravery in this choice was almost overwhelming, beyond beautiful and also difficult. Forever the teacher, she had a quote for every occasion and a special way of touching the lives and hearts of everyone she met. Her magic and love will be remembered by all she took under her generous and welcoming wings."
Career and recognition
Moore had been living with multiple sclerosis since her diagnosis in 2009. She played Miss Shields in A Christmas Story alongside Peter Billingsley. Her portrayal earned her a Genie Award nomination for best supporting actress from the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television. The film received recognition as Best Iconic Film at the 2023 Family Film Awards.
Reflecting on the movie in 2021, Moore said: "I just wanted to tell you how much it has meant to me to be part of A Christmas Story family, and we are a family."
"None of us would be here today if it weren't for the gigantic heart of Bob Clark, who had a very good sense to recognise the cinematic quality of the extraordinary, heartfelt writing of Jean Shepherd."
Legacy and family
Moore's career spanned several decades across film, television and theatre, including The Terry Fox Story, Avonlea, Road to Avonlea, Goosebumps, The Good Witch and Murdoch Mysteries. Her late husband, Canadian film and television director Donald Shebib, passed away in 2023 at the age of 85. They had two children together, Suzanna and Noah, both of whom pursued careers as child actors.
