Northern New Mexico has lost one of its culinary giants. Florence Jaramillo, co-founder and owner of Rancho de Chimayó Restaurante, passed away on Monday morning at her home in Chimayo. She was 94.
Courtesy Rancho de Chimayo
Florence Jaramillo
Jaramillo was named a New Mexico Culinary Treasure in 2014, and was awarded a James Beard Foundation America's Classics Award in 2016. She and her ex-husband Arturo Jaramillo opened the restaurant in 1965. Along with their daughter Laura, the Jaramillo's operated the restaurant in the restored home of Arturo’s grandparents, Hermenegildo and Trinidad Jaramillo.
Even as a nonagenarian, and up until about a month ago, “Mrs. J.”, as she was fondly known by her customers and staff, was still at the restaurant daily greeting her long-time customers, meeting new ones, and ensuring that the restaurant ran according to her standards all with a radiant smile. She leaves behind her treasured Rancho de Chimayó Restaurante, which is about to celebrates its 60th Birthday Anniversary in October, but she was also a mother, grandmother, friend, visionary, businesswomen, author, philanthropist, and community leader.
She always said “God blessed me with one child, but gave me thousands of children to raise.”
The restaurant sent out a release Tuesday, stating "Jaramillo leaves a legacy of generosity and passion for life. She changed the way we gather to share and celebrate through a love of food, culture, and tradition. She worked tirelessly to preserve the traditions and culture of her family and community. Her impact on the world will be felt for generations to come."
The restaurant will be closed until Thursday. Funeral arrangements and a celebration of Mrs. J’s life are pending.
