Lani Jane Stacks

Lani Jane Stacks, a spirited and vibrant soul, left us on August 23, 2024, in San Diego, California, at the age of 78 . Born on March 16, 1946, in Patuxent River, Maryland, Lani embraced the life of a Navy family with pride, growing up in various Naval Bases across the country. While she never served active duty, her connection to her military roots profoundly shaped her identity and fueled her adventurous spirit.

Her career as a Senior Flight Attendant with North Central Airlines was marked by a relentless desire to explore and connect with the world around her. Through Lani's work she traveled extensively across the Central United States, and around the world with the benefits of her job.  Her work connected her with numerous public figures and she would always seem to find a new cause to support through the activists she met.  For instance, she once had Native American activist, Dennis Banks as a passenger on her flight and she quickly became one of his supporters.  Not just a flight attendant, she was also an early advocate for women’s rights, passionately involved with the National Organization for Women (NOW) to speak up against injustices. Her activism reflected her deep commitment to making a difference.  This role as an activist would become a very big part of who she was for the remainder of her life.  After many years, Lani left the airline industry and found work in various other professions that were related to her passions, such as the San Diego Zoo with her love for animals, and a large law firm to be a part of that process helping others in need. 

Lani was dedicated to her personal growth and education. She attended Lake Superior State College (LSSC), then Northern Michigan University (NMU), but left prior to obtaining her degree to become a flight attendant.  She later returned to earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Lake Superior State University (LSSU) in 1990 at the age of 44 years old, and later achieved a Paralegal Certificate at Davenport College in 1996. At the remarkable age of 68, Lani proudly obtained her Master of Science, Summa Cum Laude, from Stevens-Henager College. Her desire to pursue her legal studies further underlined her commitment to lifelong learning and in her early seventies she even wanted to attend law school.

Throughout her life, Lani was known for her infectious zest for life, always ready for some outrageous activity or thrilling adventure. She had the unique ability to bring laughter and joy to those around her, often surprising others with her youthful spirit, appearing ten years younger than her age. This youthful glow would at times be an irritation to her when ordering an adult beverage and asked for her ID in her late twenties, but in her late sixties and seventies, it brought her smiles and fond memories.

Lani was very independent most of her life but valued her family in many ways. She was immensely proud of her daughter, Therese, and granddaughters Sophia and Heidi.   Lani’s siblings included her brother Joe Stacks and sister, Suzie Pierce, sister-in-law Rochelle Stacks, brother-in-law, Jeff Pierce, and sister-in-law Eiko Stacks. 

Lani's love for animals was immeasurable. She advocated tirelessly for every creature, from household pets to majestic zoo animals, and sea life, seeing their struggles in a world challenged by human activity. She'd go as far as to lecture her neighbors if she saw them trying to kill pesky bugs, or once seeing a neighbor's little goldfish in a bowl too small for Lani's approval. Her passion for the welfare of all living creatures reflected her larger commitment to kindness and compassion, core values that guided her throughout her life.

Lani was a Christian and raised as a Catholic.  In typical Lani fashion she explored other religions throughout her life but returned to her Catholic roots and was active in her church.  She had very close friendships within the church that included Decon Tony who did incredible things to help Lani over the years.  

Lani was preceded in death by her father, Edward Stacks, mother, Jane Stacks, and brother, Mike Stacks. Her legacy of love, adventure, kindness, and advocacy will resonate through the lives she touched, living on in the hearts of her loved ones. As we remember and celebrate Lani Jane Stacks, we hold close the memories of her remarkable journey, her accomplishments, and the love she shared with her family and friends.

A memorial service will be held for Lani next March at Holy Cross Cemetery in San Diego, and followed by a last goodbye at her favorite area at Ocean Beach during a setting sun.