Norene Gilletz was well-respected in the Canadian culinary community, especially to Jewish Canadians. Born in Montreal on May 29, 1940, she was raised in Winnipeg. Norene was a superhero in disguise as a freelance kosher food writer, editor, culinary spokesperson, cooking teacher and consultant. She was a big believer in healthy cooking and eating, and living a happy and healthy life. Her cookbooks were all based on kosher recipes and tips, and how anyone can incorporate kosher dining into their lifestyle.

Norene’s main goal was to educate those who were facing any health troubles with easy and healthy eating. "Meal Leani Yumm!" is an excellent example of how she tried to introduce kosher foods as a natural solution to improving one’s troubled health. All of her recipes are easy to follow as she provides step by step instructions for preparing and cooking the dishes.

In her early days as a writer she was helping others. Her very first cookbook “Second Helpings, Please!” was published in 1968. It was a cookbook which served as a guiding tool to those whom were new to cooking, and in the kitchen. New brides and young adults living on their own considered this book to be their kitchen bible. Her last book was co-written with Dr. Edward Wein, “The Brain Boosting Diet: Feed Your Memory,” published January 3, 2020.

Sadly, Norene Gilletz passed away on February 23, 2020 after a long illness. Her legacy and influence will be part of the Jewish culinary community forever.