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Permalink Reply by Mike McGinness on October 22, 2009 at 7:16pm

My condolences. Such a tragedy at any age, yet especially so young. I hadn't had the opportunity to know her yet the loss leaves ripples in the coffee continuum.

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Permalink Reply by Jason Shipley on October 22, 2009 at 7:17pm

Very sad to hear, RIP

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Permalink Reply by Matt Milletto on October 22, 2009 at 7:42pm

Here is an email from Tony I wanted to share:

Hi Matt,

Thank you for your condolences. Liza was extremely close to us all - she was in many ways, our fire. We miss her so much that it is unbearable.

She was 20, and she loved coffee more than anyone that I know, and I know a lot of coffee lovers. She died yesterday on her bicycle, while riding with her roommate, Tif, another Barista Exchanger.

Liza loved to ride her bike, to sew, and to hang out and chat forever and ever. She was in her time a championship figure skater, and her vivacious spirit sprinkled pixie dust on all who met her, who knew her, and who loved her.

We are totally reeling from this tragedy, and know that many in the barista community are as well - she was a prolific figure at barista jams, on forums, and especially face to face with her friends, family, co-workers, and community.

Her wake is tomorrow (Friday) from 4pm-7pm at Loyola University's La Donna chapel...http://www.luc.edu/sacramental_life/chapel_directions.shtml

We plan to raise funds in her honor for bicycle safety but don't yet have the idea solidified. When we do, we will reach out.

Thank you,

Tony and everyone at Metropolis Coffee Company

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Permalink Reply by Trevor on October 22, 2009 at 7:48pm

I had the privilege of meeting and interacting with Liza at CoffeeTalk. a couple weeks ago. The passion she had for both coffee and life were readily apparent. There is no doubt that her vibrancy will be missed both in our coffee community and in life. May all of us that were blessed with experiencing Liza's passion take it to heart and continue sharing it.

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Permalink Reply by Jason Dominy on October 22, 2009 at 7:48pm

Very sad. She will be greatly missed, it's hard to lose one of our own. It's family. That's why we should all remember to live each day like it could be the last. Try to fix what you've broken, try to forge new roads, and don't forget to tell all you know what they mean to you.

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Permalink Reply by Joe Marrocco on October 22, 2009 at 8:28pm

My thoughts and prayers go out to her colleagues, friends and especially family. I can't imagine what they are going through. Our hearts ache for you.

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Permalink Reply by James Liu on October 22, 2009 at 8:29pm

Nothing is ever going to be the same again. I found out last night an I have been crying ever since, and I will still be crying for long after. Nothing could possibly make this better. I don't care. I don't care. Nothing makes it better Liza. Oh. Liza.

Just. Be nice to your barista. Because if you're not, you might not get a chance to again. Oh. Liza. Why.

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Permalink Reply by Jack Shipley on October 23, 2009 at 6:53am

Our deepest condolences.

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Permalink Reply by Andy on October 23, 2009 at 8:05am

I can't say it better than Trevor. I met her at the jam also, it was my pleasure.

Trevor said:

I had the privilege of meeting and interacting with Liza at CoffeeTalk. a couple weeks ago. The passion she had for both coffee and life were readily apparent. There is no doubt that her vibrancy will be missed both in our coffee community and in life. May all of us that were blessed with experiencing Liza's passion take it to heart and continue sharing it.

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Permalink Reply by Katherine Anible on October 23, 2009 at 8:53am

Our hearts go out to you, friends. Peace be with you all and also with Liza's family. I am so sorry for your loss.

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Permalink Reply by Bryan Wray on October 23, 2009 at 2:17pm

I also met Liza at Coffee Talk a couple weeks ago. I think the image that will be burned into my mind was the smile on her face when she finally got Redline dialed in where she wanted. She seemed so excited and proud. She will be greatly missed and I'm sorry I only got to know her briefly.

-bry

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Permalink Reply by brett felchner on October 23, 2009 at 2:52pm

I met Liza last month and in the short amount of time I knew her, we really started to blossom a solid friendship. She would come up to Milwaukee to hang with me and my friends from Anodyne and we spent a lot of time together in Grand Rapids recently at Coffee Talk. The amount of coffee knowledge that this girl had is insurmountable. She was always learning/teaching/repeating and did it with such an intensity and passion that showed anyone, barista or not, that this girl was going places with coffee.

But even more than just a barista, Liza was an exceptional person. Always a smile and never a bad word to say about anyone or anything. She truly touched me and so many others and we will never forget the impact she had on all of us.

It hurts me to say I was actually supposed to be spending this weekend with her; catching up, talking about our competition blends, and throwing down at Noble Tree. Anyone who is in Chicago this Sunday, please get a hold of Tif (Liza's roommated) as I believe she is planning a memorial ride that night for Liza.

We love you Liza.

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