Jacqueline Landeen, 81, passed away peacefully on August 19, 2025. Born on August 26, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois, to Jack Landeen and Genevieve Scaccia Landeen, Jacqueline lived a vibrant life filled with creativity, passion, and deep connections.

Proud of her Italian heritage, Jacqueline delighted in visiting Italy and channeling her roots into every pursuit. She attended Berkeley during the 1960s, alongside culinary pioneer Alice Waters, which shaped her view of food as a revolution in sourcing food, as well as preparation; ideas far ahead of their time.  She was inspired by the farm-to-table movement that Waters championed at Chez Panisse and this sparked Jacqueline's lifelong passion for thoughtful cuisine. Her boundless creativity propelled an impressive career, from hosting her own radio show, thriving as a food critic, appearing as a guest on popular food programs and, her pride and joy, owning the Jazz Ranch Restaurant in Salt Lake City, Utah. Jacqueline also wrote for Slow Food magazine, continuously advocating for sustainable food practices. An outspoken crusader against salt in food, she championed flavor through fresh, quality ingredients. Her culinary talents, honed under her grandfather, Santo, and her uncle, Ralph, fostered lifelong relationships in the community.

After closing the Jazz Ranch Restaurant, she continued sharing her gift by preparing meals for friends and family and catering for the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, for many years, delighting filmmakers and food lovers alike. Jacqueline lived on Salt Spring Island for many years, where she produced a documentary, Retrospectacle, shedding light on the lack of affordability in the community. Beyond the kitchen, Jacqueline's artistry shone as a jazz dancer, studying under the legendary Gus Giordano in Chicago. She led a dance troupe that performed in Park City and was involved with the vibrant Second City scene in Chicago, where her creative spirit thrived.

She never met a stranger, amassing a wide circle of lifelong friends through her warmth and openness. She was a beloved sister and aunt, survived by her sister, Francesca; her niece, Lindsay and nephew, Justin; and her cherished cat, Beddu. Jacqueline was preceded in death by her brother, Ronald; her parents, Jack and Genevieve; and her cat, Pacino. An artist at heart, she enjoyed dancing, painting, and crafting jewelry, generously sharing her creations with those she loved. Her spirit of generosity will be deeply missed. In lieu of flowers, please visit your favorite restaurant or make a donation to your favorite cat rescue. Ciao bella, ciao, ciao.

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