Celebrating David Bowie: A Heartfelt ‘Church Lady’ Wake with Comfort Food and Nostalgic Sweets

The concept of “church lady food” evokes a very specific, comforting image for many – trays laden with dainty finger sandwiches, delicate sweets, and hearty casseroles, all prepared with love and an unspoken understanding of how food can offer solace. These are the dishes that appear at life’s most poignant moments, from joyous celebrations to solemn wakes. I vividly recall the small, dedicated group of elderly ladies meticulously arranging these comforting provisions on trays for my grandma’s funeral in Ontario years ago, a tradition that undoubtedly continues to this day. It’s this deep-rooted tradition of communal care through food that inspired a rather unique gathering: a church lady-style wake to honor the incomparable David Bowie. What better way to spend a snowy Saturday night in late January than enveloped in warmth, good company, and nostalgic treats, all while celebrating the legacy of a true icon?

The idea, born from a casual conversation about the power of these comforting, home-cooked offerings, blossomed into a truly memorable event. It was a testament to the idea that remembrance doesn’t always have to be somber; it can be a beautiful blend of reverence, community, and delicious nostalgia. We gathered not to mourn, but to celebrate a life that inspired millions, doing so in a way that felt both deeply personal and universally comforting.

This heartwarming event was brought to life by the members of “Bite Club,” a cookbook club we informally established late last year. Imagine a traditional book club, but with a delicious twist: instead of just discussing narratives, we explore culinary stories, recipes, and the shared experience of cooking and eating. Let’s be honest, isn’t the food often the best part of any book club anyway? This wonderful group enthusiastically contributed to our Bowie wake spread, bringing an array of dishes that perfectly captured the spirit of a church lady potluck, infused with our own playful homage to the Starman himself.

The tables groaned under the weight of classic comfort foods: delicate egg and ham salad sandwiches, crusts meticulously trimmed, brimming with pickles and creamy mayo – the quintessential finger food. There were also vibrant cherry-cream cheese pinwheels, their swirls of red and white a treat for both the eyes and the palate. The savory side was well represented by hearty funeral potatoes, a casserole dish known for its creamy, cheesy goodness, offering a substantial counterpoint to the daintier fare. Sweets abounded, featuring an assortment of tarts: rich custard, zesty lemon, and elegant Bakewell tarts, alongside a variety of homemade cookies and comforting gingerbread. A robust Shepherd’s pie provided a warm and satisfying anchor to the meal, ensuring there was something for every craving.

However, the undisputed star of the dessert table, and a focal point of our Bowie tribute, was an enormous “tight pants peanut butter pie.” This decadent creation was a direct and playful homage to the legendary Goblin King, Jareth, portrayed by Bowie in the film Labyrinth. It was a delicious, over-the-top dessert that, as we humorously noted, accurately reflected the “state of our own post-pie pants.” This pie perfectly encapsulated the fun, celebratory, and slightly irreverent spirit of our gathering, proving that even a wake can have moments of joyful humor.

No celebration is complete without a signature beverage, and ours was no exception. We concocted an enormous batch of the “Golden Years” cocktail, a vibrant and refreshing mixture that paid tribute to one of Bowie’s iconic songs. This large-batch libation was a delightful blend of Pimm’s, crisp ginger ale, and generous quantities of sliced oranges and limes. While Pimm’s is traditionally associated with its summery cup, often adorned with strawberries and cucumbers, we found no reason to limit its appeal. In the bleak midwinter, when fresh citrus is truly in season and at its peak, the gin-based, herbal notes of Pimm’s pair absolutely perfectly. The zesty brightness of the citrus cuts through the richness of the food, creating a beautifully balanced and celebratory drink that felt both sophisticated and accessible – much like Bowie himself. It was a refreshing nod to brighter days and a fitting tribute to a golden legacy, echoing the spirit of his enduring music found in the Golden Years music video.

My own contribution to the dessert table leaned heavily into the “bar-happy” category, a collection of easy-to-serve squares and slices that are perfect for gatherings. I baked up a storm, including classic date squares – known in my grandma’s old cookbooks as “Matrimonial slice,” which, while somewhat ironically named for a funeral, fits perfectly into the category of comforting, home-baked goodness. I also prepared a batch of beloved Nanaimo bars, those iconic no-bake Canadian treats with their crumbly base, custard filling, and chocolate topping. For a touch of colorful whimsy, I made marshmallow confetti squares, always a hit with their chewy texture and vibrant appearance.

However, a particularly special offering were these old-fashioned raisin bars, a recipe handed down from my grandma. These aren’t just any raisin bars; they are akin to butter tart squares, featuring a slightly “tweedy” oatmeal base that provides a delightful texture and nutty flavor. They offer a comforting alternative to the traditional “funeral pie,” a brown sugar and raisin pie often made in the bleak midwinter when fresh fruit was scarce. Funeral pie, though historically significant, has largely fallen out of favor, likely due to the widespread availability of fresh produce today. My grandma’s raisin bars, on the other hand, manage to capture that same nostalgic essence while being incredibly easy to serve and enjoy, making them a perfect addition to any comfort food spread.

These delightful raisin bars strike a wonderful balance of sweetness and texture. While they aren’t quite as gooey as a perfectly made butter tart, they certainly can be. For those who prefer an even more luscious filling, a simple swap of some of the brown sugar for Roger’s golden syrup (my preferred choice over corn syrup) or even rich maple syrup will achieve that desired stickiness and depth of flavor. The golden syrup adds a unique caramel note, while maple syrup infuses a distinct, earthy sweetness that complements the raisins beautifully.

For the “no-raisins-in-my-tarts” purists, fear not! This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily substitute the raisins with toasted pecans, transforming these into delectable pecan pie bars. Imagine the buttery oatmeal base topped with a rich, nutty pecan filling – a truly irresistible treat that offers a different, yet equally satisfying, flavor profile. Other dried fruits like cranberries or chopped dried apricots could also work wonderfully, adding their own tart or sweet notes. The beauty of these bar recipes lies in their adaptability, allowing you to tailor them to personal preferences or what you have on hand.

And here’s a crucial tip for anyone making sticky-topped bars, whether they’re these raisin bars, Nanaimo bars, or any other gooey confection: freeze them first! Placing the entire pan of chilled bars in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes before cutting will make an enormous difference. The cold firms up the sticky topping, allowing for much cleaner, sharper cuts. No more squished edges or uneven pieces! Once cut, they thaw quickly on the countertop in just a few minutes, ready to be served and enjoyed. This simple trick ensures your dessert bars look as professional as they taste, making presentation effortless.

The David Bowie church lady-style wake was more than just a gathering; it was a beautiful fusion of tradition and contemporary homage. It underscored the enduring power of comfort food to bring people together, to celebrate a life, and to create new, cherished memories. In a world that often rushes by, taking a moment to slow down, share a meal, and remember an artist who dared to be different felt profoundly meaningful. These nostalgic sweets and savory delights, prepared with care and shared with love, provided a warm embrace on a cold winter’s night, honoring Bowie’s golden years and the timeless magic he left behind. It was a reminder that even in remembrance, there can be joy, creativity, and the delicious satisfaction of good food shared among friends.