Memorials for Life

Memorials for those who have passed are naturally somber events.  But they are also social events in which people connect and reconnect, compare and contrast memories, and realize the value of life and its ever-fleeting nature. Chef Becky has catered all kinds of events: weddings, memorials/celebrations of life, graduations, community events, and photo shoots. For memorials, she tries to create events that both honor the living and the deceased. Let’s take a look at memorials and how they create human connections and memories. 

Chef Becky’s Experience 

“I lost my mother at a young age,” Chef Becky recounts. “She was relatively young, and I was in college at the time but had to leave when she passed. I also lost a close friend in high school. So I understand the gravity of memorials, but also how to make them truly special so that people can grieve and move on and realize how impermanent life can be.” 

Different Approaches

“It’s interesting,” the Chef philosophizes, “how people approach memorials differently. Some people want light appetizers and some want whole-hog feasts, literally. It all depends on the person being remembered and the nature of the living and the pragmatics of the event.” The memorial is a flexible event that can be taken in many directions: religious, festive, and serious. “It really all depends on the character and personality of the person being remembered,” the Chef explains. 

Life & Death 

Death and life are as present in the kitchen as anywhere. Take for example the passing of chef/author Anthony Bourdain, which shocked much of the world. Anthony would notoriously eat/try anything and traveled the world over trying unusual foods. If you’re an omnivore, you are in touch with your animal side, and animals need to eat other animals to survive. If you’ve ever worked in a kitchen, you know that one day you might be making a salad and the next you’re gutting meat. “I’m amazed that I’ve interviewed and even hired workers who end up being squeamish about working with meat,” the Chef notes. “I mean, it’s a kitchen. You come face to face with life and death every day in the kitchen in simply what you’re preparing.” 

Catering the Memorial 

“The memorial event is really important,” the Chef explains. “It allows people to gather, compare and contrast memories and emotions, grieve, and, perhaps most importantly, learn to move on.” When someone passes, it’s not only emotionally upsetting but it can sap energy, so it’s important to stay hydrated and do good self-care. “Flowers and food,” Chef says. “That’s the basics of pretty much any memorial. They symbolize the cycle of life.”