Longtime production manager Deborah Marks (pictured right) has died in Toronto at age 70.

She was born Oct. 14, 1954 in Toronto, and died Nov. 14 following a cancer diagnosis.

“Deborah Marks was indomitable in every sense of the word,” read her obituary. “A brilliant artist, a wonderful mother, and one of the best producers out there. Her contributions to both the Canadian art world and the Canadian film and television industry are incalculable and largely unsung.”

Marks is remembered as a “formidable, dynamic woman,” according to a tribute from her friend and business partner Steve Solomos. Outside of her work in the film and TV industry, Marks was an art history buff and student, even studying for a time in Florence. She was also a voracious reader, jazz lover and David Bowie fan.

Marks worked in film and television for more than 25 years. Her credits as a production manager include the series Carter and Trickster and, most recently, David Cronenberg’s feature The Shrouds. Some of her earlier work includes as a production secretary or coordinator on The Long Kiss Goodnight, Fly Away Home and Simon Birch.

She co-wrote and co-directed the feature Production Office (2008) with Solomos, which won Best Debut Feature at the Raindance Film Festival in London.

“As a human being Deb was a supporter of young people, their hopes and dreams,” Solomos wrote. “Whether having them stay at her place, giving them upgrades and career opportunities, or letting them use her house (free of charge) for low budget film shoots, she was always there to provide a leg up.”

A celebration of life will take place on Saturday (Dec. 14) at Dufferin Gate Studios in Toronto from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Marks is survived by her two children, Max and Mercedes.

Image courtesy of Steve Solomos