Grace Kim Funke Death: Grace Kim Funke, a beloved figure who impacted many people with her love of food, family, and community, is sorely missed in the culinary arts.
The wife of two-time James Beard-nominated chef Evan Funke, Grace died suddenly leaving behind a legacy of love and inventiveness sorely missed.
Grace was a unique person in her own right, not only the spouse of a well-known chef. Renowned for her contagious grin and friendly demeanour, she was instrumental in Evan Funke’s culinary adventure, helping him to realise his goals.
Combined, they created a life centred on their common love of food. Grace’s presence was felt not just in their house but also in the energetic surroundings of the restaurants and gastronomic events they visited.
Grace, the daughter of immigrants, brought a broad cultural background that profoundly affected her attitude to food and hospitality. She regularly included her own family recipes into the meals she made as she saw the ability of food customs to unite people.
Grace was naturally able to create a welcoming environment where people felt at ease and were urged to savour wonderful gastronomic pleasures. Whether it was a big family celebration or a small supper with close friends, her kindness and hospitality made every occasion unforgettable.
Friends and relatives have told innumerable tales of Grace’s cooking skills and her ability to make every meal a piece of art. She was adept in combining flavours and textures to produce inventive yet cosy meals. Grace Kim Funke died by an apparent suicide.
Those who ate at her table frequently said that her food made them feel like a hug, which stirred nostalgia and kinship. From carefully choosing fresh vegetables at the neighbourhood market to experimenting with new recipes in her home, Grace’s passion of food permeated everything she did.