Local businesses are taking to social media to remember one of southwest Michigan’s most beloved chefs and personalities.
Chef Jen Powell, of Silly Sausages and Plenty Catering, died at the age of 57 this week. Silly Sausages made the announcement via a Facebook post:
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear friend, Chef Jen Powell. Jen was a light in this world and a pillar in our community sharing her love for food and energy with everyone she encountered. Perhaps one of the funniest people we’ve ever met, Jen was a pleasure to know and spend time with. It’s not often someone so special comes into our lives.
We’re sorry to say goodbye but know that she deserves a beautiful ceremony inviting everyone who knew her and loved her.
A native of Houston, Texas, Powell grew up with a deep love of Southern cuisine, according to the Plenty Catering website. With 18 collective years of experience in the beer, wine, restaurant, and catering industries, Powell’s culinary took her to New Orleans, Austin, and Chicago, among other places.
Since the announcement, business from across the region have posted their tributes as well. The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber paid tribute to their member in a Facebook post:
During Chef Jen’s brief time with the Chamber, she brought an incredible amount of joy, happiness, and laughter to every single conversation she had with our team. Our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and every person that had the pleasure of knowing and experiencing the passion she carried with her.
The Silly Sausages cart was often set up in front of Peat’s Cider Social, and Dan and Leah Peat also paid tribute to the chef on Facebook:
“Incredibly heartbroken for everyone who knew and loved Jen. She was so wonderfully talented and just an overall amazing person. We loved the energy and creativity she brought to every event we partnered on. Jen, you will be dearly missed by us and our entire team!
To read more tributes from friends, local businesses and customers, visit the Silly Sausages Facebook page.
Family and friends also are invited to a celebration of life at the Lakeside Inn on Friday, Nov. 11, 2022 at 6 p.m.
“Bring your favorite dish to share if you feel inclined,” reads a post to Silly Sausages Facebook. “With this celebration, we hope to emulate Jen’s zest for life and memorialize the positive things she did for all of us. I hope you will join us.”
