Nita Edery

Nita Fortuna Edery passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 9, 2023 in Austin, Texas. She lived a full and diverse 91 years. Her journey began May 10, 1932 in Casablanca, Morocco. Her father José Amram came from Argentina and her mother Julie Itta was from Algeria. José instilled the love of dance and music in her at an early age exposing her to the passionate music of Carlos Gardel and ever flowing Tango dance. I can still remember my grandmother Julie’s ‘ boulletes’ (meatballs) and the loving comfort of her cooking and can say that Nita inherited that magic from her. Nita was the oldest of four siblings and from an early age the entertainer of her family dancing the Tango, singing songs and making her younger siblings laugh while Julie prepared delicious, love- soaked food. It was a sweet childhood in Casablanca.

Nita was always the top student in her studies and a very gifted singer and natural actress and received impressive offers and opportunities to perform. She however fell in love with and married Albert Edery. While still living in Casablanca their first two children, Gerard and Brigitte, were born. In 1957 with the independence of Morocco many families of Jewish descent migrated. Nita and Albert moved to Paris with their young ones, a city that Nita immediately loved. The elegant beauty of Paris was a natural fit for her. She blended naturally into the European culture of that magical and romantic city.

Sadly for Nita, in the winter of 1962 the family moved to Great Neck, New York. The catalyst behind the move was a unique business opportunity for Albert. Great Neck was a far cry from Paris. She was consoled, however, by the birth of her third child Laurent Jacques. But these were challenging years for Nita. One day she was with all her friends and family in Paris, immersed in the theaters and museums and dancing down Les Champs-Elysées. Then all of a sudden, she found herself a stranger in a cold place, barely speaking a word of English. Although this was a difficult transition, Nita kept her joy and enthusiasm for life, making the best of difficult circumstances. Her love of family and her enthusiasm for life overshadowed the stresses of those first years in America.

Nana had a warmth and generosity of spirit that was all-inclusive. She always had the right word or compliment for everyone. She loved people and made everyone feel welcomed and special. When she entered a room she effortlessly commanded attention by being completely attentive to others.

Thankfully in 1975, Albert moved Nita and Laurent “Jack” to Manhattan. New York City was much more to her liking. Nita thrived on the energy and possibilities of Manhattan. It was as if she had rediscovered Paris. Albert and Nita were ardent supporters of the theatre and the arts and New York provided much inspiration. Nita loved to walk and the Big Apple loved having her graceful elegance accompany the flow of life. She felt very much at home in Manhattan which soon replaced Paris as her favorite city.

In 2012 as signs of dementia started to manifest itself, Brigitte and Laurent “Jack” took it upon themselves to pry Nita away from her beloved Manhattan to Austin, Texas. Actually, she did not put up too much of a fight. Her beloved Albert had left in 2006 and she loved the idea of living in the same city as two of her children. For two years she and Laurent “Jack” lived as neighbors on the same floor of a condo. Jack loved being able to go next door to share meals with her and the daily walks along the river. Eventually as her dementia needed more attention, Nita was moved into an assisted living facility. Her decline was very gradual and she aged without bitterness nor regret. She remained her adorable self till the end continuing to inspire awe and love. As we bid her farewell, we are filled with gratitude for the beacon of love she has left to light the way.

Nita is survived by her three children Gerard, Brigitte and Laurent “Jack” and her daughter in law Malgorzata Panko Edery, her grandchildren Ian, Kate, Luke, Karley, Jonah and Alexander and her grand-daughter in law Ashley Edery. Her brother in law George Roch and sisters in law Juliette Johnson , Rachel Ohayon, Izza Genini and Inge Amram and numerous cousins , nephews and nieces living all over the world.