Leilani Henkel

Leilani Christine Henkel, 30, of Frederick, MD., passed away Sunday, May 28, 2017.  Leilani was a brilliant, loving, young woman who took her life because of the unremitting pain of depression.  She had worked hard to try to overcome her emotional troubles, but ultimately chose to make peace with her illness, as best she could.

She was born June 17, 1986 in New Britain, CT. She was preceded in death by her father, Christopher J. Henkel, in 2001 and her maternal and paternal grandparents, Rose and William Montgomery of Bowie, MD., and Helen and Rudy Henkel of Charlevoix, MI., her uncle, Bill "Monty" Montgomery, and her aunt, Pam Taunt.

She grew up between Bowie, Md. and Montgomery Village, Md., but was a resident of Frederick, Md. these past 14 years. She was a graduate of Watkins Mill High School in 2004 and continued her education, thereafter, later earning a B.S. from the University of MD. College Park. Most recently, she worked as a systems analyst, IT specialist and financial health strategist.

She had many interests, listening to music, singing, flower arranging, writing, drawing and sewing were among her favorites.  She was also quite a fan of gaming and Japanese anime and loved to attend many Otakon and Katsukon events.  She had a keen interest in National and World events and would regularly engage her step-father in political discussions.

Above all, Leilani had a keen love and loyalty to family and friends. Despite adversity she most often always made others a priority.

In addition to her parents, Pamela and Barrie (Papa) Ciliberti, she is survived by sisters, Rachel and Kathryn Ciliberti of Frederick, MD.; brother, Rudy Henkel II and his wife, Stacey Main of Jenkintown, Pa.; step-brothers, Chris Ciliberti and his wife, Kathryn B. of Ashburn, Va., Eric Ciliberti and his wife, Kathleen of Leesburg, Va., and Steven Ciliberti of Kensington, Md. Leilani has numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins, who she adored, located throughout Maryland and Michigan, especially her namesake Leilani (Aunt Nani) and her husband, Tim and their children, Pat, Jane, Billy and Matt; aunts and uncles, Mary Henkel and their children, Kristin, Devon, Mandy; Cheryl and  Duane Lawton and their children, Ben and Lindy; Kathy and Bill Krug and their children, Meredith and Adam; Debbie and Jim Halasz and their children Jessie and James.  She is also survived by many other numerous dear relatives.

The family will receive friends at the Stauffer Funeral Home, 1621 Opossumtown Pike Frederick, Md 21702 on Friday, June 16, 2017 from 4-8 p.m.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Church, 4103 Prices Distillery Road, Ijamsville, MD., 21754 on Saturday, June 17, 2017 at 11:00 a.m.  Father Michael Jendrek will officiate.  Interment will follow at All Soul's Cemetery.

The Leilani “Flowers from Heaven” Fund

Out of death comes the possibility for healing and new life.  Leilani is the Hawaiian word for “flowers from heaven”.  It is her parents’ wish that Leilani be remembered for the love that she bestowed upon others, and for the power of that love for personal transformation and redemption.

Your gracious offerings to this fund will allow others struggling with mental illness to be given “flowers from heaven” – the chance to heal, to overcome pain, to recover the hope needed to deal with life’s challenges and the joy to appreciate life’s riches.

Thank you for your thoughtful contribution that allows the enduring power of spirit to remain a creative force in the world.

Options for making a contribution:  Checks may be mailed to the THRIVE Center, 6310 Stevens Forest Road, Suite 100, Columbia, MD 21046; if using credit card, please call (410) 740-3240.  A THRIVE Center receptionist will assist you with your contribution.