Leilani R. Scimeca, age 59, of Temple Terrace, Florida passed away on Sunday, January 7, 2024. Leilani was born December 19, 1964 in Olongapo City, Philippines, the daughter of PO1 Godofredo "Eddie" and Zenaida Regulacion Alaras.
A Navy brat, she island-hopped from the Philippines to Oahu, Hawaii to Key West, Florida before her family settled in Atlantic Beach, Florida in 1973. She graduated from Fletcher Senior High School in 1983 before attending the University of South Florida. As a young girl, Leilani wanted to be a teacher when she grew up; and in 1988, she graduated from the Honor’s Program with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and began an incredible teaching career. She taught for 35 years, including the last 29 years at Lewis Elementary in Temple Terrace, Florida. She was a two-time Teacher of the Year while teaching a variety of grades, including 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grades as well as the Advanced Gifted Program. She also led numerous student activities throughout her tenure, including the Math Bowl, Science Fair, Baseball Tivitz competitions and more.
Leilani’s college job was at Sears Auto Center in Tampa, Florida, and it was there where she met a “meanie-butt” of a mechanic named Frank. She was far too nice for him, but they started dating anyway. And on August 12th, 1989 the two were wed. Frank was the love of her life, her partner in 34 years of marriage. Together they raised two children, Frankie and Emily, who were Leilani’s pride and joy. Her favorite moments always included her kids and the adventures they took together: beach trips to Longboat Key, Florida and scalloping trips Crystal River, Florida; ski trips to Lake Tahoe, California, Big Sky, Montana, and Snowshoe, West Virginia; and a once-in-a-lifetime anniversary trip to Rome and Paris. She was also a passionate sports fan who loved USF Athletics, the Philadelphia Phillies, and the Tampa Bay Rays, Buccaneers, and Lightning. And anyone who knew her knew she was a talented cook and a tremendous baker – her amaretto cheesecake was famous amongst Temple Terrace circles – who enjoyed any opportunity to bring family and friends together.
Leilani was preceded in death by her father, Godofredo "Eddie" Alaras.
She is survived by her loving husband of 34 years, Frank A. Scimeca; her son, Frankie Scimeca (Meghan); daughter, Emily Scimeca; mother, Zenaida Alaras; sister, Maria Alaras; brother, Peter "Rick" Alaras (Heather); niece, Alayna; twin nephews, Austin and Ashton; and many, loving extended family and friends.
A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at 1:00PM, Friday, January 12, 2024 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 9715 N. 56th Street, Temple Terrace.
The family will receive friends from 11:00AM - 3:00PM Saturday, January 13, 2024 at Blount and Curry, Terrace Oaks Chapel, 12690 N. 56thStreet, Temple Terrace.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Leilani's memory to the American Cancer Society or to the Moffitt Foundation.
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