Obituary: Leilani Nickolyn Kito, 79

Leilani N. Kito was born to parents Ronald and Edith Bean of Kake Alaska on May 29, 1938. Lani married Richard Kito in August 1975 and moved to Petersburg, Alaska. Lani was a teacher with Petersburg Elementary School for several years before realizing her love of accounting. Lani worked for Petersburg Indian Association for many years and eventually opened her own accounting office where she continued to work and grow for many years.

Leilani was many things to many people. She was a daughter, mother, sister, wife, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, co-worker, world traveler, and a true friend to many.

Leilani had a true passion for everything she did in life whether it was going for a drive out the road or traveling the world. She was a true inspiration in her work ethics and her thirst for knowledge. Leilani lost her fierce battle with cancer on December 7, 2017.

Leilani is preceded in death by her parents Ronald and Edith Bean; brothers Ronald Bean Jr. and Daryl Bean; sister Yvonne Pruitt; and step-son TR Kito.

Leilani is survived by her brother Cornell Bean, wife Kaylene; sister, Edith Melin; daughters Barbara Denney, husband Daren, Lisa Lowenstein, husband Randall Mencias; stepsons Rick Kito, Tyrone Kito and TJ Kito; grandchildren Dan King, wife Jessica, Veronica King and Bryon Fletcher and Joaquin L. Mencias; great grandchildren Wyatt King, Brylynn Fletcher and Braden Fletcher.

Leilani is at peace now. We will miss her stories, her laugh and the pleasure of her company.

A celebration of life was held on December 11 at the Petersburg ANB Hall. Another service was held in Kake where she was also interred.

Your mother is always with you

By unkown author

Your mother is always with you...

She's the whisper in the leaves as you walk down the street.

She's the smell of bleach in your freshly laundered socks.

She's the cool hand on your brow when you're not well.

Your mother lives inside your laughter. She's crystalized in every teardrop.

She's the place you came from, your first home. She's the map you follow with every step that you take.

She's your first love and your first heartbreak...and nothing on earth can separate you.

Not time, not space not even death will ever separate you from your mother.

You carry her inside you.