I love this family with all my heart and my heart is broken. She was a precious person and will be so greatly missed by so many. Please remember this family in your Prayers.  Pray especially for her two sweet young children. RIP Leilea.

I remember this thing lady when the family first moved to Crossville. She had her sisters had taken lessons from my mom. Knew the family for many years. Her dad, not only did I work beside him at CMC, he was also my children pediatrician. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Koucheki family   

So many prayers for this sweet family. Leilea was a wonderful person,  and friend to me throughout elementary school. She was so loved 

Gosh this really hurts. Leilea was a great person. I went to school with you. You were always there to talk to when people were having issues. You have a heart of gold. You are the sweetest person out there. You are gonna be missed by so many people. You made a big impact in so many lives. RIP. Praying for you family and your husband and babies the most. 

I was Leilea's babysitter and that 19 year old girl fell in love with that beautiful, exotic little baby Leilea.  The very first day I was there, Becky told me how I would know Leilea was up when I heard a big thud because she was get out of her crib and hit the floor.  We tried every way we could think of to see how she got out of the crib and didn't get hurt when she hit the floor, but we were never successful.  My whole family welcomed her into our home and mostly our hearts.  We had never been around a baby before and Leilea blessed us beyond belief.  Our dog, Cricket, would chase her around the backyard and bite her diaper until it was almost off and Leilea laughed the whole time.  My dad made her a cardboard saw and she wanted to take it everywhere she went.  My sister dressed her up and took pictures of her with Cosmopolitan magazine (I've got to find those pics) and made her look so sophisticated.   I sat her on my lap and taught her how to "holler" - MOM!  She was so meek and so quiet and no one in my family is quiet and so I taught her how to holler.  Cheki said that I ruined his sweet, quiet baby girl.  NAH -- I made her more fun and louder!  I was lucky enough to marry into the family and to be blessed with seeing Leilea's whole life.  She called me before going to see Kiel the first time because she wasn't sure what she should bake.  We settled on brownies.  She called me when she bought her first sewing machine and wanted to learn how to sew.  And she called me when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.  I work with cancer every day and I knew from that moment the outlook was not good.  But Leilea beat the odds.  She beat the odds with a smile on her face and a song in her heart and love gushing out of her.  My heart is shattered into a million pieces right now and I've got to find a way to move on.  I love you Leilea.  I loved you so much!  

“Mama never forgets her birds,

Though in another tree

She looks down just as often

And just as tenderly

As when her little mortal nest

With cunning care she wove

If either of her “sparrows fall,”

She “notices,” above.”

I love you so much, Leilea.

I grew up with no sisters and not a lot of female role models. As soon as I was introduced to the Koucheki family ten years ago, Leilea and her sisters immediately and without knowing filled that role for me. Watching Leilea be a mom (the best mom for that matter) was one of my joys in life. Her kids will always be the best reflection of how much love and effort she put into them every single day. I promise to love your family and children in the best way that I can in your absence.  Leilea is a light that will never fade and I am so fortunate to have loved her and been loved by her. We will miss you endlessly, but you will always be with us. Love you Leilea.

Kiel, Olive, and Everett,

I am so sorry for your loss. I know I haven't seen you all very much in recent years, but I think of you often. Everytime I attend a trivia event, I think of the nights we spent at Pluckers eating wings and drinking giant beers, while we tried to come up with clever team names. I still sometimes joke about things being "too tsunami," even though no one knows what I am talking about. And everytime I have chocolate cake I secretly compare it to Leilea's. I always looked forward to Kiel's birthday because I knew I would get some of her cake. Your family, especially Leilea, made me feel at home, whether we were in Austin or DC. I loved celebrating all of life's milestones with you. I still have the finger painting Olive made me for my birthday in 2015.

The world is a little darker place without Leilea in it. Her spirit was so bright. I know I am a better person for having known her.

Sending you all the love!

Brittainy

Leilea was a beautiful woman inside and out and I will love her forever. She drove me to my brothers' funeral and that is one of the only things I remember from that day. I remember being in that car next to her and her loving soul, and I felt like everything was gonna be okay. I felt at peace. That's what being around Leilea always felt like.  I thanked you then and I thank you now Leilea. I love you so much. 

I have been hearing Leilea’s sweet and lingering laugh in my head because I will never forget it. I have so many sweet memories with Leilea. She’d always be excited when I’d come visit and very inviting!! She’d always book an appointment at the spa. My favorite memory of all, when I was a kid and I had a fear of dogs, she’d give me piggy back rides through the yard just to help me out! I will never forget our cousin trips, dancing, our love for Italian and sushi meals, and so much more. Love you Leilea, Miss you so much!! 

So sad to hear this news. We are praying for God to comfort you and your family.  Leilea was so strong , intelligent and caring. So wonderful that she passed these traits on to her sweet children. Love you all so much. 

Steve and Rita 

Kiel, Olive, and Everett -- I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful wife and Mama. She loved you more than anything else in this world and would do anything to make sure you knew it. Leilea was the best neighbor and running partner a girl could ask for.  I will forever remember our early morning runs, iced coffees on the steps while you kids played, and baking the best ever chocolate cake! She was sassy (in the best way), hysterical, and unapologetically truthful. She taught me so much and I am so grateful I had the chance to be her friend. May her love carry you through each day! 

Kiel's Coming Home

Jingle Bell Run

So sorry to hear about Leilea. I remember her as a positive and friendly face in middle and high school. You will be in my thoughts 

She was so strong and brave. Sharing her journey publicly was an amazing gift. She's taught me a lot and so many of her words are things I will always carry with me. I can do hard things. I can be a good person and take good care of my family. I can keep walking. I am going to miss her voice and presence. I'm so sorry Kiel, I'm thinking of you and your babies. ❤️

Kyle, there are no words. Your family is in my heart and prayers.