Hope looks like food, comfort, and early detection

Remembering Chef Odette Smith Ransome

Chef Odette Smith Ransome was more than a culinary artist — she was a teacher, mentor, and source of comfort for thousands. Throughout her remarkable career, she fed communities, educated aspiring chefs, and embodied the belief that food is love made visible. Her kitchen was a place of warmth, dignity, and belonging.

When ovarian cancer entered her life, Chef Odette's spirit remained unshaken. Her philosophy that "comfort is love" became the foundation of Soup for Hope, ensuring that women facing this disease receive the same care, dignity, and support she believed everyone deserved.