Elizabeth Jane Began, a former director of Maryland Public Television who covered the Olympics during her long career, died of complications from cancer on April 5 at Vierra Falls Church, a care facility in Virginia. The former West Towson resident was 73 years old.

Born in Owosso, Michigan, she was the daughter of Margaret Siess, a teacher, and Vincent Began, a farmer and brewery employee. She was known as Jane because when she was a child she couldn’t pronounce Elizabeth.

She graduated from St. Paul School in Owosso and earned her degree in secondary education and communication from Western Michigan University.

Ms. Began joined WUHQ-TV in Battle Creek, Michigan, and rose from studio engineer to producer and director. She later moved to WKBS in Philadelphia as a production manager.

She was executive producer of the Philadelphia 76ers basketball broadcasts and served as a board member of the local chapter of American Women in Radio and Television.

In the early 1980s, he held a position in Hollywood with Chris Craft Video before moving to NBC as unit manager of daytime dramas, primetime series and game shows, including “Days of Our Lives” and “Punky Brewster.” ”, and Rose Bowling Broadcasts. He was also part of NBC’s coverage of the Olympic Games in Seoul, Sydney, Atlanta and Salt Lake City.

Ms. Began moved to Baltimore in 1989 as production director for the National and International Production Division of Maryland Public Television.

“She treasured a Russian Navy sailor’s cap that was given to her during a party on a Russian ship in Cannes during her stay at the MPT. She eventually wore it as part of a Halloween costume,” said her partner, Kathleen “Kathy” Conklin.

She lived in West Towson and volunteered at the Irvine Nature Center. She hiked the Oregon Ridge and Northern Central Railroad Trail. She was also a frequent visitor to Ladew Topiary Gardens.

“Another highlight while I was at MPT was walking along the water in Chincoteague with the Kratts brothers, who had a show called ‘Kratts’ Creatures.’ It was a children’s show about animal habitats,” Mrs. Conklin said.

“Jane was a lively and fun person. She was a great host and a true professional in her work. She knew the issue,” said George Beneman, senior vice president of the MPT.