Remembering Sue Zelickson

It is with profound sadness that we share that our beloved friend and founder, Sue Zelickson, passed away peacefully on August 7, at home, surrounded by her family. She was 91 years old.

Sue founded Women Who Really Cook in 1993 with a simple but powerful vision: to bring women in the food and hospitality industry together to build meaningful relationships, support one another, and foster community. More than three decades later, that vision continues to thrive because of the foundation she created.

‍Sue was so much more than our founder. She was a mentor, connector, champion, and friend to generations of women in Minnesota's food and hospitality industry. Her enthusiasm for people, food, and community was truly unmatched. Whether she was introducing two people she thought should know each other, celebrating someone's accomplishments, or encouraging someone to take a leap in their career, Sue had a remarkable gift for making people feel seen, welcomed, and valued.

‍Today, Women Who Really Cook is one of Sue's greatest legacies. Every friendship formed, every mentor found, every business connection made, and every member welcomed into this organization is a reflection of the community she envisioned more than 30 years ago.

‍The Zelickson family has shared that a private family service and interment will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the donor's choice, Cookie Cart, the American Cancer Society, or Second Harvest Heartland.

Women Who Really Cook encourages memorial gifts to the Sue Zelickson Scholarship Fund, stewarded by the Hospitality Minnesota Education Foundation, which supports young women pursuing post-secondary education in the food and hospitality industries. We believe there is no more fitting way to honor Sue's lifelong commitment to mentoring and supporting the next generation.

‍In the days and weeks ahead, we will create opportunities for our members to share stories and memories of Sue, and to celebrate the extraordinary impact she had on all of us.

‍‍We are deeply grateful that we had the privilege of knowing Sue and that we get to carry forward the organization she so lovingly built. The greatest way we can honor her legacy is by continuing to welcome others, build meaningful connections, support one another, and strengthen Minnesota's food and hospitality community – just as Sue taught us.

‍With heartfelt sympathy,

The Women Who Really Cook Board of Directors