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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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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