Posts in category: Mary Mother

We share with deep sorrow the news of the passing of Skye Gyngell on 22 November in London, surrounded by her family and loved ones. A chef of extraordinary vision, integrity, and warmth, Skye leaves behind a legacy that has profoundly shaped modern cooking and the way we think about food, land, and community. Her loss is felt not only across the culinary world but by all who were fortunate enough to know and work alongside her.

Born in Australia, Skye began her culinary training in Sydney and Paris before moving to London, where she quickly became one of Britain’s most respected and influential chefs. She rose to prominence at Petersham Nurseries, where her elegant, ingredient-led cooking earned a Michelin star and signaled a shift towards more seasonal, natural, and less formal dining in the UK. This milestone marked a turning point in the guide’s recognition of casual fine dining and helped reshape British food culture.

As Chef Proprietor of Spring at Somerset House and Culinary Director at Heckfield Place, Skye continued to champion a philosophy rooted in simplicity, seasonality, and deep respect for growers and producers. Spring was one of London’s first high-profile kitchens led predominantly by women and became the city’s first single-use-plastic-free restaurant—an achievement that underscored Skye’s long-standing commitment to sustainability and ethical hospitality. Her pioneering collaboration with Jane Scotter of Fern Verrow farm further exemplified her belief in biodynamic agriculture and the power of close chef-farmer partnerships.

In recent years, Skye devoted herself to mentoring young chefs, waitstaff, and growers, seeing this work as essential to creating a more humane and sustainable future for the industry she loved. Her leadership style—quiet, thoughtful, and deeply principled—left an indelible mark on everyone she guided.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Skye’s greatest joy and proudest role was as a mother to her daughters, Holly and Evie, and grandmother to Cyprien. They were the heart of her life and the source of her deepest inspiration.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Skye’s family, friends, colleagues, and all who were touched by her generosity, creativity, and spirit. Her influence will endure in every kitchen she inspired and every person she nurtured. May her memory be a blessing.

It is with deep sorrow that we honor the life and service of Police Officer Jesus “Chuchi” Garcia of the Guttenberg Police Department, who passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family. His passing is a tremendous loss to his family, friends, colleagues, and the communities he dedicated his life to serving.

Officer Garcia proudly devoted his career to protecting and serving the Fairview and Guttenberg communities. Throughout his tenure, he exemplified courage, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to duty, earning the respect and admiration of colleagues and residents alike. As commander of the Guttenberg Police Department Honor Guard and a valued member of the Special Response Team, he set the highest standards for service and integrity, leaving a lasting impact on the department and the broader law enforcement community.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Officer Garcia was a trusted friend and mentor to many within the law enforcement family, including officers from neighboring North Bergen. His dedication to fostering strong relationships and his willingness to support fellow officers strengthened the bonds across multiple departments, reflecting the spirit of solidarity and camaraderie that defined his career.

In 2021, Officer Garcia was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), a challenge he met with remarkable courage and resilience. Even while confronting a serious illness, he remained a source of inspiration to those around him, facing each day with dignity, strength, and unwavering resolve. His perseverance, grace, and dedication to duty, even in the face of adversity, serve as a profound example of the values and character that define true public service.

The Guttenberg Police Department, along with colleagues, friends, and the wider community, mourns his loss while honoring the legacy he leaves behind—a legacy of bravery, loyalty, and selfless service. Officer Garcia’s contributions to law enforcement and his commitment to protecting the community will be remembered and cherished for years to come.

Visitation for family and friends will be held on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, from 4:00–8:00 PM at Barroquin Funeral Home. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, loved ones, and fellow officers. Officer Jesus “Chuchi” Garcia’s life was one of service, courage, and integrity, and his memory will continue to inspire all who knew and worked alongside him.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Dido De La Paz, a talented and respected actor whose remarkable contributions to Philippine cinema have left an enduring legacy. He passed away at the age of 69, leaving behind a family, friends, colleagues, and fans who deeply mourn his loss.

Dido De La Paz was widely recognized for his exceptional talent, versatility, and dedication to the craft of acting. His career spanned decades, during which he brought depth, nuance, and authenticity to every role he portrayed. He was celebrated most notably for his performance in the critically acclaimed film Respeto, for which he won Best Supporting Actor at the 2017 Cinemalaya Film Festival. In this role, he delivered a performance that captivated audiences and critics alike, showcasing not only his skill but also his profound understanding of character and storytelling.

Beyond his professional achievements, Dido was admired for his generosity, humility, and passion for the arts. Colleagues recall his collaborative spirit, mentorship, and the encouragement he offered to emerging actors, helping to foster a vibrant and supportive artistic community. His influence extended beyond the screen, as he inspired audiences and peers with his unwavering commitment to excellence and his love for cinema.

Dido’s legacy is one of talent, dedication, and heartfelt artistry. He will be remembered not only for his memorable performances but also for the warmth, kindness, and integrity he brought to every interaction. His contributions enriched the lives of many and left an indelible mark on the Philippine film industry, reflecting a life devoted to storytelling, creativity, and artistic expression.

The news of his passing has elicited an outpouring of condolences from fans, fellow artists, and the broader cinematic community, all honoring his remarkable career and the profound impact of his work. As we remember Dido De La Paz, we celebrate a life that was lived with passion, artistry, and a deep commitment to his craft.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and admirers around the world. Dido De La Paz’s memory will continue to live on through his performances, his contributions to cinema, and the inspiration he has provided to future generations of actors and filmmakers. Rest in peace, Dido De La Paz. Your artistry and spirit will be fondly remembered and dearly missed.