Naomi Pomeroy’s family and supporters remembered the “Top Chef” star with touching tributes at her memorial service on Monday just one month after she died in a tragic tubing accident.
In the special ceremony held by the St. John’s Bridge at Cathedral Park in Portland, Ore., her loved ones reportedly celebrated the late 49-year-old’s life with food and conversations, per local news outlet KOIN 6.
“She was our protector, our guide, our food guide. Everything was remarkably fulfilled,” said Naomi’s father, Toby Pomeroy.
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Among the items guests enjoyed at the memorial service were berry pastries with edible flowers, deviled eggs and assorted bread baskets. Guests were also provided with vegetables grown in Naomi’s own garden.
Fellow chef Madeline Cook remembered the “Top Chef Masters” alum as a mentor who played a big role in her career and personal development.
“She took me under her wing and I worked with her at Ripe Cooperative,” Cook told the outlet.“It’s of a spirit about her. The fierceness, dedication, times where she would make you laugh and insult you at the same time.”
“I learned how to be fiercely independent and honest, not just in food techniques, but in my personal life.”
Naomi died on July 13 after she drowned while tubing with her husband, Kyle Linden Webster, and a third person on the Willamette River in Portland.
The famous chef had a paddle board attached to her body that became caught on an “exposed snag in the water.”
Authorities recovered her body once it was discovered by people canoeing on the river four days after the incident.
At the time of her death, the James Beard Award winner was remembered by other famous chefs including Padma Lakshmi and “Top Chef” judge Gail Simmons.
“I was blessed to get to know this inspiring woman over the years. My condolences to her loved ones; what an incredible loss to our community,” Lakshmi said on Instagram.
“Heartbroken doesn’t cut it,” Simmons said at the time. “I first met Naomi Pomeroy the night she won her @foodandwine Best New Chef award in 2009. In fact, the internet reminded me today that I was the one who handed it to her. Fifteen years and countless laughs, texts and meals later I’m just as in awe of her cooking talent, generosity, sharp wit and general brilliance as I was back then.”
