Susana Trilling Oaxaca, México Obituary, Death: With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Susana Trilling—an extraordinary woman whose life was a celebration of culture, flavor, and human connection. Susana was more than a chef. She was a beloved mother, teacher, author, friend, and the founder of the renowned Seasons of My Heart cooking school in Oaxaca, México. She passed away recently, leaving behind a legacy rooted in authenticity, passion, and a deep reverence for the traditions and people of her adopted home.
Susana Trilling dedicated her life to honoring the flavors, land, and culture of Oaxaca. Through decades of work, she became a tireless advocate for preserving and elevating traditional Mexican cuisine, with a particular devotion to the foodways of Oaxaca—a region rich in culinary history. Her cooking school was not merely a place to learn recipes; it was a sanctuary where stories were told, connections were made, and culture came alive through every dish.
Her approach to food was deeply personal and profoundly respectful. She believed that behind every mole, every tortilla, every local ingredient, there was a person and a story worth honoring. Her respect for indigenous and local women cooks—the backbone of Oaxacan culinary traditions—was central to her philosophy. She uplifted their voices and their work, ensuring that their knowledge was passed down and appreciated by students from around the world.
Susana’s laugh filled kitchens and hearts. Her warmth made strangers feel like family, and her insistence on authenticity pushed those around her to not just cook, but to listen, to understand, and to care. Whether through her classes, her cookbooks, or her television appearances, she brought the spirit of Oaxaca to life for thousands of people who may have never otherwise encountered its magic.
Her legacy lives on not only in her published work, such as Seasons of My Heart: A Culinary Journey Through Oaxaca, Mexico, but in the lives and kitchens of all those who were lucky enough to learn from her. The countless people who cooked with her, learned from her, and loved her form an extended family that will carry forward her mission: to preserve and celebrate the beauty, depth, and diversity of Mexican cuisine.
Though we mourn her passing, we also celebrate a life that was so fully and generously lived. Susana Trilling transformed lives with her food, her words, and her heart. She showed us that cooking is about more than technique—it’s about community, memory, and love.
Our thoughts are with her family, her team at Seasons of My Heart, and all who knew and cherished her. In her memory, we will continue to honor the traditions she protected and the values she embodied. May she rest in peace, and may her spirit forever remain in the kitchens and hearts she touched.