SPOKANE, Wash. — Mary Ann Wilson, the registered nurse who created and hosted "Sit and Be Fit" for 37 years, died yesterday, leaving behind a fitness legacy that touched lives across the Inland Northwest and beyond.

Wilson launched the program at KSPS in Spokane in 1987 after teaching exercise classes at senior centers. Her final season aired last year.

"She always has had a big heart for people and for helping people," said Gretchen Cowan, Wilson's daughter.

The program focused on gentle movements to help viewers maintain physical abilities. Participants shared success stories about improved daily functioning.

"For her to get up in front of a camera and do that was a whole different learning curve for her. And she believed enough in the vision and fearlessly just did it," Cowan said.

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