Sandra Faire, an award-winning television producer and well-known philanthropist, has died.

Faire was the executive producer for a number of successful shows on CTV and The Comedy Network, including “So You Think You Can Dance Canada” and “Comedy Inc.”

Faire was previously a studio director with CTV News’ investigative program W5.

She had also produced successful programs for CBC.

Along with her husband, Ivan Fecan, she made donations to many Canadian organizations and institutions, especially those involved in arts and education. She was also a member of The National Ballet of Canada’s board of directors.

“Passionate, creative, and generous, Sandra Faire was fiercely supportive of Canadian talent in arts and entertainment,” Bell Media President Randy Lennox said in a news release. 

“She was a trailblazer for women in film and television whose commitment to excellence helped set the standard for production in this country. She was a true partner to Ivan and will be greatly missed.”

CTV News Special Correspondent Lloyd Robertson said Faire was “a smart and truly creative force in Canadian television and the arts.”

“She set the bar high for quality in all her productions … only the best was acceptable,” he said.  “A Sandra Faire credit on a broadcast, like the ‘Joyce Davidson Show’ or ‘Rita MacNeil’ or ‘So You Think You Can Dance Canada,’ meant viewers could expect something meaningful, even memorable.” 

Robertson said Faire “will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by all who knew her and were touched by her outreach and encouragement.”

Sandie Rinaldo, CTV National News anchor and W5 correspondent, remembered Faire as “bright, bold and beautiful.”

“She had drive, elegance and defined the term trailblazer,” Rinaldo said. “When I first started my career in journalism at CTV News in 1973, Sandra was the studio director for W5, the only woman in a field dominated by men. Her smarts propelled her to soar with the stars; but she remained grounded and inspired loyalty in staff.”

Anton Koschany, executive producer of W5, said that Faire “went on to become one of the most important producers of Canadian television.”