Mari Lara Richards was born on November 25, 1963 in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, and adopted at the age of 3 by Cathy and Jack Richards. On December 15, 2020 she returned home to our Father in heaven.

Mari married her sweetheart, Lavaun Leʻi, on June 8th, 1982. Throughout their 38 years of marriage, Lavaun and Mari Leʻi gave life to five girls and two boys. From oldest to youngest their names are: Destin (38), Keera (37), Tiana (37), Kingsley (33), Nadia (29), Dezarae (23), and Teeya (20). Currently, Mari is also survived by nine grandchildren whose names are: Michaela (16), Isaiah (15), Jaymiana (14), Lehiwa (13), Makaio (11), Kaiona (8), Odin (6), Kaʻiwi (3), and Knox (2 months).

In addition to her seven children, Mari worked at Kahuku Elementary for over 30 years and she was also a piano teacher for those in the North Shore community. Her motherly duties extended beyond her seven children as she cared for and nurtured those students as well. Mari lived a life full of service, a life that would leave a lasting impact for those who knew her.

She will be missed, but never forgotten. Moe me ka maluhia.