Celebrity chefs, close friends, and family say goodbye to the Food Network star during a private ceremony in New York
June 20, 2025, The culinary world came together on New York’s Upper East Side Friday afternoon to bid a heartfelt farewell to beloved celebrity chef Anne Burrell, who passed away earlier this week at age 55 under mysterious circumstances. With grief heavy in the air, over 100 mourners—including top chefs, TV personalities, and close friends—gathered at a funeral home to honor the life and legacy of the “Worst Cooks in America” host.
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Among the many in attendance were Amanda Freitag, Marc Murphy, Scott Conant, and other Food Network colleagues who embraced one another in quiet remembrance. Burrell’s husband Stuart Claxton, who discovered her body on Tuesday morning, also appeared publicly for the first time since her tragic death.
💐 A Community in Mourning
Burrell was found unresponsive in her Brooklyn home, surrounded by pills, though the official cause of death is still under investigation. While sources confirmed to The Post that she had possibly gone into cardiac arrest, an autopsy has been completed, and results are pending.
Despite the somber tone, some attendees shared that Burrell would have wanted laughter and joy, not silence. “She brought a bold spark to every room,” one source said. “Even today, we felt that.”
TV personality Carson Kressley, who worked alongside Burrell on “Battle for the Bird,” joined in remembering her energy and wit. He later posted, “I’m so blessed I was able to work with you, learn from you, laugh with you.”
🕊 Honoring Her Memory
Burrell’s influence extended far beyond the kitchen. Real Housewives alum Kelly Bensimon, longtime manager Scott Feldman, and musician Mitch Mitchell were also present.
Flower arrangements lined the funeral home, and Aura Carpenter, one of Burrell’s bridesmaids alongside Rachael Ray, added a personal touch with her quiet tribute.
Rachael Ray, Bobby Flay, and many others from the food and entertainment industry have since posted tributes on social media, highlighting Burrell’s passion, generosity, and electric presence on screen and off.
Her family shared a statement earlier this week, calling Anne “a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend,” adding that her “light radiated far beyond those she knew, touching millions across the world.”
🧡 A Life Remembered
Burrell is survived by her husband Stuart Claxton and his 20-year-old son Javier, whom she referred to as her “perfect amount of parenting” in a recent podcast. The couple met on Bumble and married in 2021 after what Anne fondly described as her “rock star chef life.”
As the wake concluded, it was clear that while Anne Burrell may be gone, her spirit will long remain in the kitchens, hearts, and memories of those who loved her.
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