Veteran ABC News correspondent Elizabeth Nissen died Jan. 7, three days shy of her 71st birthday, at her home in Ann Arbor, Mich., her family announced.
Per her former outlet, Nissen enjoyed a storied career in broadcast journalism, which included her coverage on ABC’s World News Tonight during the evening of Princess Diana’s death in 1997. In addition to ABC News’ World News Tonight and Nightline, the reporter worked for CNN, The Wall Street Journal and Newsweek. She was also a co-founder and senior producer for NBC Learn, the online educational division of NBC News. Nissen covered everything from breaking news to sports science, from war to the arts.
“A lifelong reader, learner, and teacher, Beth was passionate about communicating information in a relatable way,” her obit reads. “She prepared her students to be critical thinkers, and helped teachers improve methods and techniques for more effective instruction.”
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“She is remembered for her wit, her knowledge, her compassion, and her nurturing of friendships through extensive personal correspondence,” her family wrote.
She is survived by five of her six siblings, and was a beloved aunt to nine nieces and nephews. Nissen was predeceased by her brother Jon and both of her parents.
According to her obituary, “she was a caregiver, a true oldest—most responsible—sibling,” and was an active member of her local Rotary Club, as well as The Adelphies group at 1st Presbyterian Church in Ann Arbor.