On June 20th, over 200 friends, family members, and Food Network stars gathered at Manhattan’s Frankie Campbell Funeral Chapel to honor Chef Anne Burl, the beloved host of Worst Cooks in America, who passed away suddenly on June 17th at the age of 55. The atmosphere was anything but somber. Instead, it was a celebration of a life lived with fearless energy, a passion for food, and an unwavering love of music.

From the moment guests arrived, the tone was set. Each person was handed a bright red Sharpie—the very tool Anne was famous for wielding to mark contestants’ hands when their knife skills faltered. This small but iconic gesture was a heartfelt nod to her unique style and the playful mentorship she brought to the kitchen. As attendees queued to sign the memory book, Queen’s electrifying anthem “Don’t Stop Me Now” blared through the chapel lobby, energizing the crowd and reminding everyone of Anne’s unstoppable spirit.

Two mannequins stood sentinel near the entrance, each representing a cherished part of Anne’s life. One wore a New York Rangers jersey, honoring her devotion as a diehard hockey fan. The other was dressed in her embroidered chef’s jacket, complete with a Sharpie clipped proudly to the sleeve—a symbol of her culinary authority and signature flair.

Inside the chapel, every seat held printed lyrics to Billy Joel’s “Only the Good Die Young,” a song Anne adored so much that she had quoted it beneath her high school yearbook photo: “I’d rather laugh with the sinners than cry with the saints.” That rebellious, joyful attitude permeated the entire service, transforming what could have been a mournful gathering into a heartfelt celebration of life.

Food Network favorites like Scott Conant, Amanda Freitag, Mark Florio, and Jeffrey Zakarian shared warm stories about Anne’s boundless energy and kindness. Manager Scott Feldman recalled how Anne’s fast-moving projects kept everyone on their toes, while her husband, Stuart Claxton, affectionately described her as a “professional pleasure provider,” always chasing that perfect double on Tandra—a testament to her zest for life and love for good company.

Their words painted a vivid picture of a woman who saw food not just as sustenance but as an invitation to celebrate every moment. Anne’s infectious enthusiasm inspired those around her to embrace joy and live fully, lessons that echoed throughout the evening.

The memorial concluded with a rousing sendoff orchestrated by Claxton himself. He invited everyone to rise, face the aisle, and sing “Only the Good Die Young” together. What began as a solemn moment swiftly transformed into a spontaneous karaoke session, filling the chapel with laughter, tears, and the unmistakable sound of voices united in tribute. It was the perfect finale—a lively, heartfelt homage to a woman who would have demanded no less.

From the bright red Sharpies to the impromptu Billy Joel singalong, Anne Burl’s memorial was a vibrant reflection of the chef who seized every day with joy and passion. She left behind a legacy not only of culinary excellence but of living loudly and loving deeply. Her final gift to her culinary family was a reminder to savor life’s sweetness, to be loud, and to never forget the power of joy.

Anne Burl’s spirit remains unforgettable—sweet, bold, and alive in every song sung and every memory shared.