Maria Lelani Naranjilla
On Friday, October 7, 2022, Maria Lelani Naranjilla - loving partner, mother, sister, daughter, aunt, friend - passed away at the age of 53.
Lelani was born on February 20, 1969 in Quezon City, Philippines to Nilo Sr. and Leticia Naranjilla. With brothers Noel, Nilo Jr. and Noli, the family immigrated to Edmonton, Alberta in 1973. She moved to Corner Brook, Newfoundland in 2000 where she started her family with her husband (Melvin Gillingham) and three sons (Aaron, Alyk and Nathen). In 2016, she moved back to Edmonton to be closer to her immediate family.
She shortly met her soulmate (Stephen O’Rawe) who stayed with her until her final moments. She loved to fly, loved to travel, and loved the skies. She worked with several airlines in her
lifetime where she touched the hearts of many. She accomplished her dream by becoming a flight attendant with Swoop Airlines in late 2021.
“Flight attendants don’t die, they only fly higher.”
She is predeceased by older brother Norman Naranjilla and her father Nilo Naranjilla Sr.
She is survived by sons Aaron, Alyk and Nathen Naranjilla-Gillingham (father Melvin Gillingham); mother Leticia Naranjilla; brothers Noel Naranjilla (Carina, Carlos and Cristian), Nilo Naranjilla Jr. and Noli Naranjilla (Margot, Ryder and Mattia); soulmate and partner Stephen O’Rawe (Rowan and Lucas).
Funeral mass will take place at Annunciation Catholic Church (9420 163 Street, Edmonton, AB) on Friday, October 14, 2022 at 1:30 PM. All are welcome.
Celebration of life and reception will take place in the church after the funeral mass.
The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses of the University of Alberta Hospital’s Neurosurgery Department. In remembrance of Lelani’s life, the family asks that any charitable
donations be made to the Ronald McDonald House https://rmhcalberta.org/donate/ or to the
University of Alberta Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute
https://www.ualberta.ca/neuroscience-and-mental-health-institute/giving.html.
To my aunt, please watch over us with Lolo and Tito Norman. I love you forever. Rest in peace.
She was a bundle of energy
I only got to work with her a handful of times but she always made a dull day better
It breaks my heart to have learned about Lelani’s passing. I was lucky enough to have her as my neighbour and to see her beautiful smile and experience her genuine caring spirit on more than one occasion. I knew her to be a fierce woman who love her three boys like no other. Even after she moved she always made an effort to drop a hello or comment on a photo to stay in touch. I’ll consider myself privileged to have known Lelani and will continue to keep her family in my prayers. ♥️
Sorry we cannot be with you all in this time of sorry,sending deepest condolences to all the family ,to Arron ,Alex and nathen your mom was a beautiful person we loved her very much .thinking of you Melvin and the boys love you all
A great loss for her family she was a wonderful woman Rest In Peace.
Sending our deepest condolences and love to the entire Naranjilla family and to Aaron, Alyk and Nathen. She will always be remembered by her atmost love for her family and her sincere and genuine friendship to her friends.
Sending love to Lelani’s boys, family and friends. She was such a sweet person. I’ll never forget the last time I saw her. I was passing through the Edmonton airport and she happened to see me so she picked me up with the WestJet cart and took me for a ride to catch up.
She will be truly missed.
I knew Lelani, when she lived in Newfoundland,, sending my condolences to her three boys,,
Lelani, I miss seeing your beautiful face around the airport. You were such caring, honest, positive person that had the biggest heart. You saw the good in everyone. You will be dearly missed. Xoxox
A beautiful person with a beautiful smile! Sending our love and condolences to the family. Forever will stay in our hearts.She will be missed..
We will all miss Lelani’s sweet fun positive energy. She was such a kind and caring co worker that always had a smile to light up your day. My sincerest condolences to Stephen and her boys. Her eyes lit up when she spoke often of her family. We will all light up when we remember her.
My good friend of loving character. See you on the other side someday 🙂