When sharing photos please tag Laurie or send any photos to [email protected].

Laurie earned her pastry degree at the Dunwoody Institute in Minneapolis, Minnesota and from there her talents only grew. In 1993, she was named as a Rising Star of American Pastry for her pear and hazelnut tart by winning the popular vote on the New York Competition. She was Swiss Master Chef Albert Kumin’s assistant at the International Pastry Arts Cener, which is also where she studied Italian pastry under Malgieri. At the time of the award, she was working at Remi in New York City. She continued to pursue her Pastry career at the acclaimed Italian restaurant Galileo by Chef Roberto Donna. She was awarded Pastry Chef of the year in 2001 in Washington, DC. 

In 2001, Laurie and her husband Reto purchased a small bakery in Burke, Virginia and they named it “The Swiss Bakery” in regards to Reto’s country and baking traditions. Their second location opened in 2006. Together they made The Swiss Bakery into a premier bakery destination in the Northern Virginia area. The Swiss Bakery was awarded Northern Virginia Best of 2012 along with many other accolades and articles.  

Laurie was an active member of Les Dames d'Escoffier, a respected global professional association for women leaders in the food, beverage and hospitality industries. She contributed to multiple events, charities and competitions such as “Let Them Eat Cake” Competition and won two awards in 2012 for Popular Vote and Best Cake Design. She was a true expert at wedding cake designs and French pastries. 

When Laurie was not creating desserts in the bakery, she greatly enjoyed cooking and baking with her daughter, taking care of her chickens and working in her garden with her husband. She loved to gather friends and family together for events and dinners. She was an advocate of the farm to table concept by supporting small family-owned farms and regenerative farming. 

Laurie left behind her loving husband, Reto Weber; cherished daughter, Alissa Diaz and her beloved dog Zella (Virginia); 
Illinois Family
Mother, Eloise Liable and Lynn Liable, Sisters, Linda Alleman and Cindy with Chris Snyder, Niece and Nephews, Trevor, Allie, and Devon Snyder.
Swiss Family
Mother-in-law and father-in-law, Miggi and Hugo Weber, Sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Susanne and Daryoosh Weber Montazami Safari, two nieces, Sina Weber and Liah Weber Montazami Safari.

In lieu of flowers, we kindly request that you consider making a donation to a charity listed below in Laurie's honor. Your contribution will help support the charity's mission and will make a positive impact in her memory. Thank you for your understanding and support during this difficult time.

Rapp at Home - Supports those in need of in-home care or assistance in Rappahannock County.



Swiss Benevolent Society -Dedicated to assisting those in need in the Swiss community of greater Washington, DC and Helvetia, WV.