Florence Jaramillo - In Memory

Florence Jaramillo, “Mrs. J”, beloved owner of Rancho de Chimayó
Restaurante, passed away on the morning of September 22, 2025 at her home in Chimayo, New
Mexico. She was 94.

Florence Jaramillo was a mother, grandmother, friend, visionary, businesswomen, author,
philanthropist, and community leader. She leaves a legacy of generosity and a passion for life.
She changed the way we gather to share and celebrate through a love of food, culture, and
tradition. Among her numerous achievements, she was named a New Mexico Culinary
Treasure in 2014, and was awarded the 2016 James Beard Foundation America's Classics
Award. The James Beard Awards recognizes culinary professionals for excellence and
achievement in their fields and further the Foundation’s mission to celebrate, nurture, and honor America’s diverse culinary heritage through programs that educate and inspire. She worked tirelessly to preserve the traditions and culture of her family and community. Her impact on the world will be felt for generations to come. She always said“God blessed me with one child, but gave me thousands of children to raise.”

She leaves behind her treasured Rancho de Chimayó Restaurante, which is about to celebrate its 60th Birthday Anniversary in October. She opened the restaurant in 1965, along with her former husband, Arturo Jaramillo, and daughter, Laura, in the restored home of Arturo’s grandparents, Hermenegildo and Trinidad Jaramillo.

Even as a nonagenarian, and up until about a month ago, “Mrs. J.”, as she was fondly known
by her customers and staff, was still at the restaurant daily greeting her long-time customers,
meeting new ones, and ensuring that the restaurant ran according to her standards all with a
radiant smile.
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Funeral arrangements and a celebration of Mrs. J’s life are pending, and will be announced
soon.