Leilia (Lei) Harris passed away peacefully Friday, April 2, 2010, at her home in Bremerton, surrounded by family. Lei was born in Kooskia, to Naomi Sanford and William Mendenhall in March 1939.

Lei and her husband Lionel were married 53 years and have five children. Once the kids were grown, Lei successfully operated an adult family home for 14 years. Lei relished her role as caretaker for both her patients and her family. There was nothing she loved more than to gather her family, feed them oodles of food and watch her grandchildren play.

When not caretaking for others, Lei received much enjoyment from shopping, gardening, sewing, and searching for additional treasures to add to her antique collection.

Lei is survived by her husband, Lionel Gunn Harris; three daughters, Stacy Brown, Denise Evans and Lisa Harris; and two sons, Michael Harris and Eric Harris. In addition to her immediate family Lei is also survived by four brothers, David, Doug, Bud and Bill Mendenhall; 13 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; numerous cousins, nephews and nieces; as well as her beloved dog Snickers.

A celebration of Lei's life will be conducted at noon April 16 at Miller-Woodlawn Funeral Home in Bremerton with a reception to follow.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the American Cancer Society.