Laurie Eismeier

Born Lauren Louise Sollecito-Sabin on July 30, 1986, in Syracuse, NY, she was known to all as Laurie. Laurie was a feisty redhead whose effervescent enthusiasm for music, cooking, and verbosity, along with her naturally beautiful and thick mane of fiery auburn hair made her an unforgettable force of nature in all the lives she touched. She is survived by her husband of almost 16 years, Jordan Eismeier (44), and their three children-Braedon (10), Sam (9), and Nora Eismeier (7). After a lifetime of overcoming some debilitating challenges, her extremely painful battle with polycystic kidney disease concluded on July 4, 2025.

Laurie's 2000-watt smile and spirited demeanor not only brought light to dark rooms, they also shielded the public from knowing just how much pain she endured on a daily basis. She adamantly refused to accept the mantle of a victim of circumstance or sickness. Instead of approaching life with bitterness and complaining, she chose to offer her angelic soprano voice, her jealousy-inducing meals and desserts, her uncompromising vernacular, and her take-no-prisoners smile. Despite hardship and disease, she chose to make herself the owner of her own small business--LaurieFood, a gifted musician, a top-notch chef, a loving wife, mother and friend, as well as an adept teacher and mentor. Thanks to her Christian faith and fortitude, Laurie was more than light to those in her life; she was life to those in her light. She truly poured her life and excellence into everything she did, and she did everything that she could.

Laurie was a graduate of West Genesee High School in Camillus, NY and went on to graduate from Pennsylvania Culinary Institute in Pittsburgh, PA. As a student, she earned too many awards and honors to list for her music, public speaking, grades, and civic involvements. She also began collecting ducks, of which she leaves behind well over 1000 duckies. After culinary school, she went on to pursue music therapy at Central Michigan University, and there, she met her future-husband Jordan at Mt. Pleasant Community Church, when she volunteered to play the piano for the church choir that he was directing. When he was about to start the first rehearsal that she was in, he began by saying, "Let's kick this pig!" Not missing a beat, Laurie wryly replied from the piano, "Bend over." Uproarious laughter ensued, and the phrase "You had me at 'Bend over'" was born. The rest is history.

It never took long for anyone to see just how special and uniquely attractive of a person she was. And she wielded her uniqueness like a smiling, red-headed people-magnet. A five-minute conversation with her could lift your spirits greatly and raise your IQ by 10 points. And most conversations lasted a lot longer than five minutes. She enthusiastically shared her gifts and talents all the way up to her last day on this mortal coil. Her presence, personality, and multiple talents are greatly missed by people all over the country, but we all are better people for having known her.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 PM-6:00 PM, Sunday, July 13, 2025, at Companion Funeral Home, 6018 John Douglas Drive, Chattanooga, TN 37421.