Jennifer Marie Denlinger
In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.
Obituary
Chef Jennifer Marie Denlinger, PhD, CCC, CHEP
Jennifer Marie Denlinger, 47, a proud native Floridian and decorated chef, passed away on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at her home in Seminole, Fla., surrounded by her loving family. She will be remembered for her extraordinary dedication to culinary education, the countless future chefs she inspired, and the love she shared with her family and friends.
She was born on December 23, 1978, in St. Petersburg, Fla., to Richard Denlinger and Ann Smith. As the eldest of four daughters, she took her role seriously in watching out for her younger sisters. The sisters remained close throughout her life.
Her passion for cooking began in middle school, nurtured by her grandmothers. In high school, she got her first cooking job at the Wine Cellar, a classic French restaurant on the beach. She loved being creative in the kitchen and decided to make culinary arts her career. www.floridachef.net/single-post/in-search-of-grandmothers-recipes
She was trained at the Disney Culinary Academy and worked at the California Grill and Epcot Food and Wine Festival before moving into teaching and later earning a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management, a Master of Education in Curriculum Design, and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership. She spent 14 years teaching at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Orlando and 10 years at Valencia College's Poinciana Campus.
In 2020, the American Culinary Federation named her Chef Educator of the Year, an award unsurprising to many of her former students, who described “Chef D” as an incredible mentor, teacher, and friend. https://news.valenciacollege.edu/this-takes-the-cake-valencia-chef-named-nations-top-culinary-educator
Jennifer was the longest-serving president of the Central Florida Chapter of the American Culinary Federation. She received bronze and silver stars from the Southeast Bailliage of La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, one of the world's oldest gastronomic societies. She was also recognized by the Academy Brillat-Savarin and promoted to Blue Ribbon with Silver Stripe, a distinction that elevated her to regional leadership within the organization. https://southeastchaine.org/our-story
Known as the “Florida Chef,” she was a passionate advocate for Florida farms and all things culinary in the Sunshine State. Through her work promoting Florida's food heritage, Jennifer became widely recognized for celebrating the state's local ingredients, traditions, and unique flavors. She wrote a cookbook inspired by Florida blueberry growers, Berries of My Heart: A Collection of Florida Blueberry, Blackberry and Strawberry Recipes.
Jennifer cherished friendship and fun throughout her life and was always up for a dance party, a day trip, or a card game—in which she was almost impossible to beat. She loved planning family gatherings complete with delicious food, activities, and a theme.
She loved British and Irish culture, had a knack for song lyrics, and possessed a remarkable memory for family history, important dates, and quick facts about 1980s cartoon episodes. She enjoyed walks on the beach, swimming in Florida's rivers and lakes, and creating art with natural objects.
Jennifer is survived by her father, Richard Denlinger; her mother and stepfather, Ann and Steven Smith; her sisters, Elizabeth Denlinger (Scott), Jordan Smith (Brandon), and Adrianne Smith (Brian); and four beloved nieces and nephews, James, Elizabeth Grace, Robert, and Andie. She leaves behind many extended family members, friends, students, and professional colleagues who enriched her life and whom she dearly loved.
As remembered by her professional colleagues:
“We raise a glass to you, Chef. You have hung up your apron and laid your knives to rest. Though your station is empty and the kitchen is quieter without you, your flavors and stories remain. You fed the hungry and brought people together. May you find eternal peace at the grandest table, and may your legacy live on in every recipe you shared.”
Donations in Jennifer's Honor
American Culinary Federation Education Fund
Jennifer would be delighted by any contributions to support ACFEF, a cause close to her heart. The purpose of the ACFEF’s Chef & Child initiative, founded in 1989, is to educate children and families in understanding proper nutrition by providing tools and resources for community-based programs led by American Culinary Federation chef members. Checks can be mailed to American Culinary Federation Education Foundation
6816 Southpoint Pkwy Ste 400
, Jacksonville, FL 32216. Link with more information below.
Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation
In honor of Jennifer's fight and strength against triple-negative breast cancer, it would be wonderful to make a tribute gift to the TNBC Foundation. This foundation uses the funds to support research, awareness, and meaningful programs for individuals and families living with triple-negative breast cancer. Please see the link below to find the tribute selection and allow notification to Ann Smith (SmithA1@mac.com).
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Richard (also a passionate and creative cook) had prepared a traditional feast, colored with special touches from his mother's palatte.
Jennifer brought her own creative focus with family dishes she brought her own unique spin on. (I made a
real effort helping with the dishes afterwards).
What impressed me more deeply than the delicious food was the love and joy (and shared memories, and grief) between a father and daughter sharing a creative passion that had been handed down in their family.
I also learned of Jennifer's then recent disseration about food and the brain. I found it online, read it, and felt certain she had contributed something to to the body of scientific knowledge on her subject.
God bless her (and her loved ones) in memory.
Chef Jen was an incredible, dedicated, strong woman. She poured her talent, time and heart into me. She was a pivotal part of starting my culinary career. When I first started, she made sure I had everything I needed to succeed in the industry from uniforms to teaching me the skill set needed for the fundamentals. However, the most important characteristics she imparted to me was a spirit of excellency and servanthood. She went above and beyond the standard. She did everything she set her mind on with purpose and precision.
What stands out to me the most was that when she served others, she did so in love. She never expected anything back and genuinely looked out for people’s best interest. She gave so much of herself to first and foremost her family, her friends, and all the communities she was a part of.
I treasure the little moments I had with her. From teaching classes and presenting demos to end- of- day cleanups, she never missed a beat. It was always an adventure with her. She was the life of the culinary program. She was bubbly, witty, and had a huge sense of humor.
Despite the challenges she faced, she was the definition of what a good friend is. Even when I took a break from the culinary scene and went from the education system to working with special needs, she still kept in touch with me. It didn’t matter what I did or where I was at, she would always reach out and check on me.
I thank God for her life and how much of a blessing she was to me and my family. Her life was a miracle with the time God gave her on this earth. I am determined to keep her memories alive as I once again go back to my first love and original passion in Culinary Arts. My story is just one of many countless lives she impacted. Her legacy will live on through me and those she was surrounded by.
Matthew 25:35-40
35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
Chef Jen and I worked together at Valencia College, she as faculty, me as advisor at the time. She was a strong advocate for student success, built and promoted the culinary and baking program at the Poinciana campus, worked on curriculum, and dedicated her life to sharing her passion with others.
Personally she was kind and thoughtful, always helpful to colleagues and a funny lady! She was strong and determined and I loved that she shared her opinions regardless of their popularity! She will be missed personally and professionally.
These photos of her with two students at a farm event in Osceola county in 2019/2020 (pre-Covid). She brought the students to the event, and I believe presented at it as faculty.
Rest in peace Chef Jen.
Worked together at two different schools. The
Rosen College of Hospitality Management and Valencia college. She
was a good friend and colleague. I also worked with her with American Culinary Federation. Her Energy and Dedication were an inspiration.
I will remember her warm spirit, her commitment to student success, and the countless lives she touched through her work as an educator and mentor. Her legacy lives on in the students she inspired, the colleagues she supported, and the culinary community she helped shape.
Thank you, Chef Jenn, for your friendship, your leadership, and your unwavering passion for the culinary arts. You will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.
— Chef Alex Erdmann
She will be missed.
Your warmth, enthusiasm, and joyful spirit made every room brighter. Over the years, I came to count you as a friend far beyond the culinary community, and I am grateful for every conversation, every shared idea, and every opportunity we had to work together.
I will miss your encouragement, our laughter, your energy, and your unwavering passion for teaching, mentoring, and supporting others. The impact you made on your students, colleagues, and friends will continue for years to come.
Rest easy, my friend. You will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.
With love and gratitude,
DeAnne Maples
CEO, Florida Beef Council
I was blessed to have her as a friend and colleague
We shared so many beautiful memories
Jenn was a bright, intelligent, caring person who made an impact on me and so many other people. Meeting her was the purpose of that time in my life and getting to remain a constant for all the years after, made it all worth it. I will forever be in awe of her positivity and strength. I will think of her when I see Sea Turtles or caterpillars, I will laugh when I remember our silly inside jokes and I will cry when I think how unfair life can be sometimes.
Jenn, I thank you for the years of friendship and the love only a true friend could give. You will live on in my heart 💜
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