Sarah Kramer, the celebrated vegan cookbook author who helped popularize plant-based cooking with a unique blend of humor, style, and accessibility, has died at the age of 56.
Kramer, who passed away on May 3, was known for transforming veganism from a niche lifestyle into a vibrant, fun, and relatable movement. Alongside collaborator Tanya Barnard, she co-authored How it all Vegan!, a cookbook that broke stereotypes by infusing a punk-inspired, retro aesthetic into vegetarian cuisine. The book, originally inspired by a homemade zine created to save money on Christmas gifts, quickly became a bestseller and led to several sequels including The Garden of Vegan.
Born Sarah Imogen Kramer on June 27, 1968, in Regina, Saskatchewan, Kramer grew up in a theatrical family. Their parents, Kenneth and Janet Susan Kramer, were pioneering figures in Canadian theatre, founding the Globe Theatre in Regina, where Sarah spent much of their childhood.
Following a diagnosis of breast cancer in 2013, Kramer openly shared their health journey on social media, earning widespread admiration for their candidness and strength. Earlier this year, they disclosed a diagnosis of glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer. A public fundraiser to support their treatment raised over $120,000 from more than 2,000 donors.
Kramer was also a vocal advocate for transgender rights, adopting “they/them” pronouns after identifying as trans nonbinary queer. Their longtime partner, Geri Kramer, who also transitioned, shared their personal journey on the podcast Meet the Kramers.
In addition to their influential co-authored works, Sarah Kramer wrote solo titles such as La Dolce Vegan and Vegan à Go-Go!, and developed companion apps, further expanding the reach of vegan cooking.
Known for their theatrical flair and approachable style, Kramer eschewed preachiness in favor of celebrating compassion and joy in vegan living. Their impact was widely recognized, with Bust magazine dubbing them “the Mick Jagger of the vegan lifestyle,” and Herbivore Magazine calling them “the world’s coolest vegan.”
Sarah Kramer is survived by their wife, Geri Kramer, whom they married nearly 29 years ago, as well as their father, Kenneth Kramer, and brother, Winnipeg chef Ben Kramer. No public funeral or memorial service will be held, honoring Sarah’s wish for a private grieving process.
Tributes poured in from across the arts and vegan communities. Kathy Valentine of the Go-Go’s said, “The world was more colourful and quirky and brave and cool with Sarah Kramer in it,” while guitarist Jane Wiedlin praised Kramer’s intelligence, kindness, and unwavering convictions.
Sarah Kramer leaves behind a legacy of creativity, compassion, and a redefined vision of veganism as a lifestyle full of flavor, fun, and fearless authenticity.
