DELANGE–Lisa, a much loved person, mother, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, niece, cousin and friend, passed peacefully on Saturday July 22, 2023. Lisa was born on October 8, 1970 in the Bronx, NY to Pauline and the late C. Anthony DeMairo. She lived life voraciously, with a de facto motto of “Go Anywhere – Eat Everything – Talk to Anyone”. An avid cook, self-described gastronomer, traveler and possessing an adventurous spirit, Lisa loved reading, movies, music and simple pleasures. She pursued her interests in food and books with both passion and practicality, graduating with a B.A. in English from Barnard College, an A.O.S. in Culinary Arts from CIA, a B.S. in Hospitality from FIU, a M.A. in Food Studies from NYU and an M.L.S. from Queens College. Lisa was ambitious and her career incorporated elements of all her learning, from Librarian to Food Network writer. Since 2012, she served as a tenured lecturer at Kingsborough Community College, helping to train the next generation of NYC’s chefs, and co-authored the textbook Professional Culinary Calculations (2021). Lisa’s life was full of friends and family and her generous, loving, and inquisitive nature made her an honorary Auntie and Big Sister to many. Adored by her students, famous in the farmer’s market, a reliably loyal friend and a central part of her extensive family, Lisa’s presence will be keenly missed. She served as an inspiration, role model, and intelligent, compassionate perspective. In a life filled with love, Lisa’s great happiness was her son, Chet. In addition, she is survived by her husband, Alan, mother Pauline, sister Claudia, and the extended Rial, DeMairo, and Lang families. In celebration of Lisa’s spirit, accomplishments and contributions, do the things you enjoy with enthusiasm: have a great hair day, go out for a really good meal, order too many dishes and seat too many people to comfortably fit at the table. Lisa would love that!

Published by New York Times on Aug. 20, 2023.