Leilani "Lani" Jai Smith

“When you remember me, it means that you have carried something of who I am with you, that I have left some mark of who I am on who you are. It means that you can summon me back to your mind even though countless years and miles may stand between us. It means that if we meet again, you will know me. It means that even after I die, you can still see my face and hear my voice and speak to me in your heart. For as long as you remember me, I am never entirely lost.” - Frederick Buechner

Taken from us far too soon by acute leukemia, Lani passed away at Royal University Hospital at 6:39 a.m. on January 18, 2024. Her health deteriorated quickly, but her family was able to spend quality time with her while her body prepared to take leave.

Born in Saskatoon on July 19, 1977 at City Hospital, Lani leaves behind her greatest treasures: daughter, Olivia, and son, Alexander as well as her stepchildren, Grace, Max, and Brooks. She will be forever missed by her fiancé and soulmate, Shaun Roufosse, mother, Penny Smith, stepdad, Don Sachs, father, Lou Smith, brother Chad Smith, sister-in-law (but sister by choice), Angela Smith, nephew, Layton Smith and niece, Tessa Smith. Her two dogos, Gus and Bo, will continue to search for her.

Lani attended Henry Kelsey School, Marion Graham Collegiate and the University of Saskatchewan. She worked with the Saskatoon Blades, Jemini Ice Sports, Prairie Plant Systems, and Zyus Life Sciences.

Her smile would light up a room, her eyes sparkled, she loved to laugh. Her quick wit and sense of humour attracted similar personalities, so her circle of friends is amazing. She was not above taking you to task or making you accountable, so those close to her knew to be ready.

Mixing Ukrainian and German blood creates a tenacious, fearless, hardworking, determined individual, and that’s exactly what Lani was. Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019, she fought the fight and won. She never let cancer define her. In early 2023, Lani was diagnosed with acute leukemia. She went into remission in the summer of 2023, after a bone marrow/stem cell transplant from her daughter, Olivia. But, the cancer returned in October.

We sincerely thank the Oncology team at RUH. You are amazing and we are so grateful to you for doing everything you could to bring our girl back to good health. Special thanks to Kaila and Sandy who stood by all of us through Lani’s last days. They were a distinct reminder that there are angels among us.

Our dear friend, Carlin Fehr, will be leading Lani’s Celebration of Life.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you take time to tell the ones you love and how much they mean to you. There are no guarantees for tomorrow, so treasure your time today.

If you wish to make a charitable contribution in honor of Lani, consider supporting an organization that holds personal meaning for you or donate to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada.

A Celebration of Lani's Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday January 25, 2024 at Acadia Funeral Chapel (915 Acadia Drive, Saskatoon). For those unable to attend please visit www.faithproductions.ca/livestream to view the service.

Arrangements entrusted to Ashley Knash.