With profound sadness, we share the passing of Susana Trilling—celebrated chef, teacher, author, television host, and the beloved founder of Seasons of My Heart Cooking School in Oaxaca, Mexico. Susana passed away recently, leaving behind an enduring legacy of culinary passion, cultural preservation, and heartfelt connection that touched countless lives around the world.
Susana Trilling was much more than a chef. She was a storyteller, an ambassador of tradition, and a fierce advocate for the culinary heritage of Oaxaca. Through her work, she illuminated the deep-rooted traditions of Mexican cuisine, especially the intricate and soulful foodways of Oaxaca’s many regions.
Her cooking was not just about recipes—it was about honoring the history, land, and people behind the food. A native of the United States, Susana fell in love with Oaxaca and its vibrant culture decades ago.
She immersed herself completely in its culinary landscape, studying from local cooks and indigenous communities, always with humility and deep respect. She didn’t just document what she learned—she lived it, championed it, and brought it to a global stage.
Her landmark book, Seasons of My Heart: A Culinary Journey Through Oaxaca, Mexico, and her PBS cooking series by the same name, introduced Oaxacan cuisine to a wider audience and earned her recognition as one of the foremost authorities on Mexican cooking.
In 1999, she founded Seasons of My Heart Cooking School in the Oaxacan countryside. There, she welcomed students from around the world into her kitchen—a space that was as much about love and learning as it was about food.
Her classes were full of warmth, laughter, hands-on experience, and respect for local traditions. Her insistence on authenticity and reverence for the women cooks of Oaxaca guided her teachings, and countless students left her school forever changed—not only better cooks but also better connected to culture and community.
Susana’s laugh could fill a room. Her presence was radiant, her enthusiasm contagious, and her love for Oaxaca, its people, and its cuisine was boundless. She believed deeply in food as a vehicle for cultural storytelling, and she worked tirelessly to support local communities, farmers, and artisans.
Whether she was teaching the art of making mole, guiding visitors through bustling markets, or telling stories around a kitchen table, she exuded a generosity of spirit that endeared her to all who met her.
She was a mentor, a mother, a friend, and a force. Her contributions to culinary education and cultural preservation were immense, but her truest impact was in how she made people feel—seen, welcomed, nourished, and inspired.
Susana’s legacy lives on in the thousands of students, home cooks, chefs, and readers she influenced. It lives on in the recipes passed down, the meals shared, and the love of Oaxacan culture she helped spread across the globe. Her team at Seasons of My Heart is committed to carrying her mission forward—continuing to teach, celebrate, and protect the traditions she so fiercely championed.
To all who cooked with her, learned from her, or were touched by her work: thank you for being part of Susana’s extended family. We grieve together, but we also celebrate an extraordinary life lived with passion, purpose, and heart.
Susana Trilling may be gone, but the flavors, stories, and spirit she brought to the world will never fade. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
