Jody Kalafut, 56

Jody Lee Kalafut, who grew up in Montauk and with her husband operated Jody’s Country Kitchen on the hamlet’s Main Street from 1978 to 1982, died on Oct. 25 at her East Hampton house, where she and her family had lived since 1989. Her death was unexpected and the cause may have been a heart attack, her sister, Marcia Edelstein Darrow of Pelham, N.Y., said. Ms. Kalafut was 56.

“She was an extraordinary cook and baker,” her sister said. “She did incredible holiday baking — Christmas cookies and rugelach.”

Ms. Kalafut was born on Nov. 29, 1958, in Manhattan to Harvey Edelstein and the former Ruth Salzberg. She graduated from East Hampton High School before earning a degree in hotel technology from Sullivan County Community College in Loch Sheldrake, N.Y.

She and Kenneth Kalafut, who survives, were married on Oct. 16, 1982. The couple ran the restaurant and catering business that bore her name. Ms. Kalafut became a stay-at-home mother after the birth of her second child, and also worked in distribution for The New York Times for 10 years. 

She was an active parent, her sister said, serving as a Girl Scout leader, a member of the PTA, and “a class mother extraordinaire” for her daughters throughout their years at the John M. Marshall Elementary School.

In addition to her husband and sister, Ms. Kalafut’s daughters, who survive, are Dr. Sarah Kalafut of Manhattan and Rachel Kalafut of East Hampton. A brother, Richard Edelstein, died in 2012. Her parents also died before her.

The family has suggested contributions toward a memorial tree for Ms. Kalafut. Contributions can be sent to the Memorial Tree Fund, East Hampton Ladies Village Improvement Society, 95 Main Street, East Hampton 11937 or lvis.org.