a thousand people at the funeral to pay their last respects to the cook

FUNERAL – A woman who left her mark on French television, and even more so on her small town in Landes. A thousand people, mostly locals, paid tribute this Thursday, December 26 to Maïté who died on the night of Friday, December 20 to Saturday, December 21 at the age of 86.

On the square in front of the church of Saint-Barthélemy in Rion-des-Landes, in addition to her family and loved ones, many residents had come to pay tribute to the memory of Marie-Thérèse Ortonez. “ Elle always had a word, she was an adorable woman, with her heart on her sleeve, really, I have no words”, a local resident was moved by France 3 Nouvelle-Aquitaine. “ His stories about eels and ducks were memorable.” another testified.

After several decades on television and the opening of two restaurants, Maïté decided to retire from the kitchen in her beloved South-West, whose influences were felt in her cuisine, rich, gourmet, and good-natured. We also remember his marked accent and his legendary outspokenness. “ It was our brand image for us little Landers who were a little lost in France. She brought a ray of sunshine to our region, it was fantastic,” a woman present at the funeral told the local channel.

Eat in his honor

As reported Southwestthe cook’s granddaughter paid tribute to him by having a somewhat special request for those present: “Eat, sing and drink in his honor. Adishatz”, (goodbye in Gascon)she wished. On her coffin was a photo of her wearing her apron.

“Dear Maïté, you will be able to enter the kitchens of paradise. The angels are in for a treat. We will miss you. It is absolutely impossible that we forget you”delivered with emotion a former head of France 3, who had worked alongside him. As if to recall Maïté’s attachment to her South-West origins and the region, the ceremony ended with the Gascon song “Estelle de la mâ”performed by his friend Michel Etcheverry, singer of traditional Basque music.

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