SALISBURY, MD – The Rise Up Coffee Roasters family and the broader Salisbury community are mourning the sudden and tragic loss of Lizzie Ketterman, a cherished store manager, beloved friend, and radiant soul whose impact reached far beyond the walls of the café she called home for more than seven years.
Lizzie passed away unexpectedly on Monday, May 5, 2025, leaving those who knew and loved her reeling in grief. The news of her passing sent shockwaves through the tight-knit team at Rise Up Coffee Roasters, where Lizzie had become much more than a colleague — she was family, a confidante, and a source of daily joy and inspiration.
“Lizzie made everyone’s day better. Every day,” the Rise Up team shared in a heartfelt tribute. “She filled our East College shop with her energy, her smile, and her heart. Her laughter was infectious. Her ability to lift spirits was unmatched.”
Starting her journey with Rise Up as a barista, Lizzie quickly became a beacon of positivity and dedication, rising through the ranks to become Store Manager — a role she embraced with unwavering enthusiasm, compassion, and leadership. To her coworkers, customers, and countless regulars, she was the heart and soul of the East College café. She remembered your name, your drink order, and probably your birthday — because that’s who she was.
Customers often spoke of how walking into the shop and seeing Lizzie behind the counter instantly brightened their day. Whether it was with a kind word, a warm smile, or her trademark laughter, Lizzie had an extraordinary way of making people feel seen, appreciated, and welcome. Her presence wasn’t just noticed — it was felt, deeply.
“Lizzie was a bright light and shining aura,” said one colleague. “There’s a hole in our hearts today. Rise Up has never experienced a loss like this, and the truth is, we’ll never be the same. But we’ll always carry her spirit with us — the love, the laughter, the happiness she brought into every room.”
Born and raised in Maryland, Lizzie brought joy to every space she entered, and her legacy of kindness, hard work, and vibrant spirit will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her. She leaves behind not only a grieving family of loved ones but an entire community that adored her.
In the coming days, friends and colleagues plan to honor Lizzie’s life through a celebration of her spirit — filled with music, stories, and, of course, coffee — all things she loved. Details regarding services and memorials will be shared by the family.
To honor Lizzie’s memory, Rise Up Coffee Roasters invites the community to share messages, photos, and stories that reflect the love she so effortlessly gave.
Lizzie Ketterman’s light may be gone from this world, but the glow she left behind in the hearts of so many will never fade.