When she was helping to set up Sycamore, a fine, new BYOB in her hometown of Lansdowne, chef Meg Votta told owner Stephen Wagner that she had been living with ovarian cancer that had been discovered late.
As such, her prognosis was poor. But her spirit was stronger.
"She didn't dwell on it," Wagner said. "She did 12-hour days."
Six weeks ago, she became unable to work, and on Nov. 10, she passed away at 51.
Meg was featured in a story in the Philadelphia Daily News about successful female chefs that was published two days after her death -- the timing no doubt dictated by print deadlines.
She was quoted: "[As chefs, women] have more patience than men, especially in the teaching end of things. And we're good at multitasking and juggling. "
Meg's mastery of multitasking and juggling ensures that Sycamore is carrying on just fine.
Wagner says she saw to it that Sam Jacobson, who had worked at Meg's side for years, was prepared to take over her kitchen.
"She preplanned for all of this," Wagner said.
Her services will be Saturday, Dec. 5 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 36 Ardmore Ave., Ardmore.