The news hit the food community like a physical weight. On January 21, 2025, the world learned that Rebecca Wylie Simms—the creative force behind the famous Los Angeles cheese shop Lady & Larder—had passed away. She was only 39.
Honestly, it’s one of those stories that doesn't feel real because her online presence was so full of life, color, and literal sunshine. Rebecca, or "Boo" as her inner circle called her, wasn't just another influencer posting curated plates. She was a legit entrepreneur and a mother who seemed to have found that rare balance between high-end aesthetics and genuine, messy human warmth.
When the Rebecca Wylie Simms obituary details began to surface, the shock was compounded by how sudden it all was. This wasn't a long, drawn-out illness. It was a "tragic surgery complication." One week she was posting about her goals for the new year, and the next, her twin sister Sarah was sharing the kind of news nobody ever wants to write.
The Tragic Complications and the Official Announcement
We’ve all seen the headlines, but the specifics come directly from Sarah Simms Hendrix, Rebecca’s twin and business partner. According to the announcement shared via the Lady & Larder Instagram account, Rebecca died following a surgery that went wrong.
While the family has kept the specific nature of the surgery private—which is totally fair—the "immeasurable loss" they described resonated with thousands. It happened just weeks into 2025.
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Rebecca had actually just posted a "toast" for the year, telling her followers to "linger longer" and "make gratitude our aesthetic." It’s haunting to read those words now. She was a big believer in the idea that goals don't expire—they just roll over. She was essentially telling everyone to give themselves some grace.
Who Was Rebecca Wylie Simms?
If you’ve ever seen a "curated board" that looked more like a Dutch Masters painting than a snack tray, you’ve seen Rebecca’s influence. She co-founded Lady & Larder in Los Angeles with Sarah. They specialized in 100% American-made cheese and charcuterie.
They weren't just selling food; they were selling a vibe.
But her reach went way beyond the cheese shop in Santa Monica. She was also the Creative Director for Lazy Dog Restaurants. Think about that for a second. That's a massive operation, and she was the one shaping the visual soul of it. She also ran Wylie West Creative, where she did everything from floral installations to brand design.
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The woman was a polymath.
A Family Left Behind
The most heartbreaking part of the Rebecca Wylie Simms obituary isn't the business side—it's the personal one. She leaves behind:
- Her husband, Sean Montes.
- Two young daughters: Mavis Loretta (3) and Bertie Lou (2).
- Her twin sister, Sarah, who described Rebecca as her "magic maker."
It’s hard to wrap your head around two toddlers losing their mom so suddenly. The community response has been huge, with celebrities like Mandy Moore, Busy Philipps, and Mark Duplass all chiming in to offer support.
Why This Hit the Food World So Hard
The "lifestyle influencer" space is crowded. Most of it is fluff.
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Rebecca was different because she actually did the work. She was in the shops. She was picking the flowers. She was sourcing the cheese from small American farmers. People didn't just follow her for the photos; they followed her for the radical positivity she championed.
Mark Duplass actually put it best when he promised to "carry forward her indomitable spirit." That’s a heavy thing to say about someone you know from the internet or a local shop, but that was the kind of impact she had.
Moving Forward and Honoring Her Legacy
The Santa Monica location of Lady & Larder has remained open, largely because it represents the "love and care" Rebecca poured into the business. The Carmel Valley location, however, faced temporary closure as the family navigated the immediate aftermath of the tragedy.
If you're looking for a way to honor her, the family has generally encouraged people to support small makers and local farmers—the very people Rebecca spent her career elevating.
Practical Next Steps
If you want to keep up with the legacy of Lady & Larder or find ways to support the family's mission:
- Support American-made: Rebecca was a fierce advocate for American cheesemakers. Look for domestic artisans next time you're at the market.
- Follow the Lady & Larder updates: They continue to post and serve the community, keeping Rebecca's aesthetic and values alive.
- Practice "Radical Positivity": In her own words, "linger longer." Don't rush through the small moments with your kids or your friends.
Rebecca’s life was cut short, but the "magic" she made is still very much visible in the way people talk about her today. She proved that you can be a powerhouse in business while being a "bright light" to everyone you meet.