Leila was the sweetest neighbor as well as friend. Kiel, I think of you & the kids often. Â đź’”
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It's been 2 years, and it doesn't feel real. We started this journey together practically, and you were always the "big sister," who showed me how to navigate this crazy road we call cancer. We used to talk about all the places we wanted to go and do- both of us loving to travel. I like to think I'm taking you everywhere still- partially because I'm still not ready to think about you not being just a message, or phone call, away. In the last 2 years we have been to Qatar, Thailand, back to Jamaica, multiple beach trips, and finally saw the wild horses of the Outer Banks. Next month we're going to Bimini for our birthdays. Who knows? Maybe I'll find The Bimini Road and cross to Atlantis with you. Â
I love you. I will always love you. You taught me that no one fights alone, and I truly feel your spirit every time I tell cancer to, "fĂ—ck off!" Thank you for showing me that as sucky as this is, we are in on the secret of how to truly live, and love, life.Â
I wish I had words for your family, especially for your sisters. Part of me feels though that's it's likely supremely unfair to them that I'm here, and you're not. It is unfair.Â
I love you, always. #sewwekeepwalkingtogether
Gynni
1
Chastity LK
University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, USA
Leilea,
What I always remember about you was the warmth of your heart and the width of your smile.  You where such a force here.  I’m sorry that you where called Home so soon.  But I’m so proud of you for running your life race soooo well 💛.
0
Leilea was so good with birthdays. She captured a video with all of us singing happy birthday to my daughter. I always forget to make videos, and now I have this memory, I'm so thankful. Leilea also sent me a video of my baby laughing hysterically at Olive, why did I never think of making that video? Thank you Kiel and Leilea, for capturing moments that I will forever cherish. Thank you for sharing cake with us and birthdays with us and holidays with us, and friendship. Love you, Sarah
2
I only just discovered today that Leilea passed away, on her birthday. We had not spoken in years, but I watched her journey unfold through social media. We were friends in college and she was such a wonderful friend to me during a hard time in my life. I will always cherish our memories of traveling to various places, watching the Vols play, or gathering in her on-campus apartment. I will be praying for her family and hope that everyone finds peace in the midst of these tragic circumstances.Â
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It took me awhile to come here to comment. What do you say when it feels like a light in your life has switched off?
And that is what Leilea was. She and I had not talked in a long time. Despite best intentions we never saw much of each other and were not as close as I would have wished.
And yet she was still there, a part of my memories, a persistent glow. Her love and kindness, her willingness to always care for those around her.Â
And that is what I have realized over these past few weeks, the memory of her will keep glowing, the light is not gone. She is ahead for now but we will see her again and till then her memory will still help light our path and keep our hearts warm.
1
2018, Montgomery, AL, USA
I was lucky enough to meet Leilea when our husbands attended ASCS in Montgomery AL from 2017-2018. She is pure gold! We grew close when I would drive her to some treatments in Birmingham so she could recover on her way home. She was the real deal! A truth teller, filled with so much humor and love. We talked about books and authors/we loved, baking/recipes, and podcasts. She was someone I had an immediate connection. I am so grateful the universe
1
Even though it had been years since we last spoke, I thought about Leilea often. She was one of those people you just felt lucky to know. She was a truly genuine person - honest and kind, fun and funny. She was always so easy to talk to, and I am grateful for the times we hung out. The world has lost a good one.
2
Dear Olive and Everett, your parents graciously opened their home and hearts to host our son, Morgan. Â If ever you find yourselves in New Hampshire, we would welcome you into our home with the same love and grace your mother shared with Morgan. Â Much love to you all.
1
Eddie and I love the Martins so much. They have influenced us in how we care for others by their example. From late night coffees, home cooked meals, Modern Market, last minute watching kids, playdates, shopping trips. One day I finally got my two kids napping and it was time to pick up my oldest from school. I didn't want to wake them up, I called Leilea and she picked my daughter up and brought her home. It meant the world to me because I knew she truly cared about me and my little ones. All this while going through chemo. I loved living life with her. Leilea, I want to talk to you about you leaving, and it's really hard knowing I can't. You were so genuine, beautiful, funny, loving. I will miss you so much, and we promise to check in on Kiel, Olive and Everett. Love, Sarah
1
2019, Washington D.C., DC, USA
1
2018, United States Air Force Academy, United States Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel, Sijan Drive, Air Force Academy, CO, United States
Leilea, Olive at the twins’ high school graduation
1
Kiel, Olive, Everett.  I am heartbroken  For you all.  To know Leila was to love  her.  Everybody who knew her will miss her bright smile & kind heart.  I’ll never forget our escapades w/kitty cat Allie after she took up at my house out of the blue at 4 a.m one day when I opened the door for the paper.  Just walked right in & made herself at home  I’ll always smile when I think of Leila-but it will be w/a lump in my throat   Words can’t convey the sorrow I feel.  May the good Lord bless & keep you.🙏🙏💖
1
So saddened to hear of Leila passing . Condolences and prayers to the Koucheki and Martin families. Our hearts go out to you.
1
What a sweet beautiful soul you were! God has an amazing Angel now!! My heart breaks at ur passing but is happy that ur in no more pain! My heart goes out to your momma and daddy and sisters as well as those beautiful baby’s and ur husband! Rip sweet Angel it’s so hard to believe u are gone but will never be forgottenÂ
0
Dearest: Leilea you were a Brite and shining star you did just what God had planned for you and your life now its time for you to shine in heaven for God and the angels so continue on sweetheart love you and miss you. Dearest: family and friends leilea was a beautiful Brite shining star and she always will be I'm so very very sorry for your losses but God now holds this shining star and she will forever shine love youns all once again I'm so sorry. Lisa redwine and family.Â
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My childhood is filled with many happy memories. Some are easier to recall than others. Many of memories include Leilea and the Koucheki family. Every year at Christmas my mom, brother, and myself would go to the Koucheki’s house. Us kids would exchange gifts and then we would load up and head to El Tapatio. After eating we would go to Hidden Hollow to look at the Christmas lights and walk around. I remember Checki yelling “Boo” at the creepy machine inside and drinking hot chocolate. I don’t know how many years we did this but every year around the holidays I think about these trips. I used to hide in the coat closet under the stairs and I loved crawling into the secret room under the desk upstairs. Leilea was one of my closest friends as a small girl and her passing has broke my heart. Prayers and prayers for all the Koucheki and Martin familys.Â
1
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