Meilani Wang

I never really talked to Meilani but i think about her a lot. We had Mr Smith together and she was always quiet and sweet. Amazing artist as well. I remember sitting across from her at a round table and watching her draw. I was too shy back then to engage in conversation but she said something funny and it made us giggle. I think about it a lot. Even though I didnt know her at all, I still think about her. This just shows how much of an impact she had on people. Even people she didnt know. I hope shes having fun wherever she is.

Remembering your family during this memorial season. May you feel the supernatural peace and comfort of God. I know your daughter is welcoming all the new angels of yesterday's tragedy into heaven. I continue to mourn with you all.....Love, McKenna Austin and family

Meilani Wang

May,
A time before-
Summer, and the end of-
Spring.
The new growth is still there yet,
colors are beginning to fade.
And thus the great wilt begins.
The promise of summer break,
Pools,
Popsicles,
Road Trips,
Now tasting bittersweet in the beginnings of heat.
Dry,
Scorching,
Sticky,
Heat.
The great death of L.A..
The loss of-
I try to press flowers to last through summer.
Nothing compares.
To Mei.


I wanted to share a poem I wrote recently for Mei. Thank you all for giving your memories of this incredible person for me to continue learning about her even though we don't get to have new experiences with her.

Meilani, my inspired and creative art student, invaluable art assistant and dear friend has left a hole in my heart. I will miss her very much as she was an integral part of my students life and brought joy to us all. She was a bright light that shone in life and through her stunning art work. I will forever be grateful to have had the privilege to know Meilani.
Warm wishes and love to you Clare, Mike and Kai

Dear Ms. Gardner, I just heard about your tragic loss and my heart is so heavy. You have always been such a beam of light for Jonah and me during trying times. You have been and are magic - truly a treasure. You would think that because I experienced a tragic loss I would have some words of wisdom but I'm at a loss. My heart is broken for you, your husband and your son. There are no words and I remember in the first few months how strange it is that life goes on even though your world is falling apart. But even though mine and the kids' hearts will always be broken, I wake up everyday trying my best to hold on to the good as much as possible. Sending you so much love. You are in my prayers

Dear Clare, Mike and Kai,
I was heartbroken to hear of your unimaginable loss of sweet, beautiful and talented Meilani. I have such wonderful memories of the days that Meilani and Kai came to my house to make their ceramic creations! If there is anything I can do to fill a need during this painful, difficult time please don't hesitate to call on me.
Benida Solow, Wellesley neighbor and friend,

Mrs. Gardner and Family,
Your daughter is absolutely stunning! And from what I have read, she was just like you in her gentlenesses, kindness, beauty, artistry , intelligence and love for others. I wish we had had the opportunity to meet her, but I am sure you passed these and many other beautiful qualities unto her, because I know you have passed some of this onto my daughter! Life here on earth isn't fair, it doesn't make sense and can be downright awful. In Heaven, however, God will wipe every tear from our eyes. There will be no more death or mournings or crying or pain. I pray you experience some of that beauty here on earth. I pray you are surrounded by supernatural comfort, love and peace during this season. We love you and mourn with you. The Austins

Dear Clare, Mike, and Kai,
I'm so sorry. I was terribly saddened to hear about Meilani. Nothing I write can assuage your pain, but I pray that the passage of time will ease some of your grief. When I moved-in next door Meilani was only 5, and through the years I saw how much you loved each other, and how sweet she was. I sincerely share your sense of loss.

Heartbroken for you. The Fulgham family, Reece, Leslie, Connor, Hudson and Heath

For you dear, sweet Meilani,
These magnolia flowers appeared in my garden today. Magnolias symbolize purity of spirit, feminine beauty & gentleness, and love for nature. All things that describe you perfectly. We are grateful to have known you and wish we had more time. But we will always remember you in the beauty that surrounds us.

Dear Clare, Mike and Kai. Words fail to describe how sad our family feels about precious Meilani. We will forever remember her as a little girl, playing with our kids at birthday parties, and as a beautiful young woman that she became. Her smile could light up the room, and she was always sweet, polite and very kind. She will never be forgotten!
Sending you our family's love in this difficult time.

I have so many warm memories of Meilani, Kai, Robbie, and John playing as kids. I'm heartbroken for your loss, Mike, Claire, and Kai, but am grateful that I got to cross paths with Meilani, who lives on in me and everyone who knew her.

Hi Meilani:

I want to thank you for sharing yourself and your family with me. Your generous spirit will be with us and now is in us. I like trees. Many look odd when I say, the trees are happy when it is raining. They are. Your love of nature warms my heart.

I love baking with you. I recall one time, we made some kind of cake. You had these steps which were quite logical and you later told me they were taught to you by your mother. Obvious to you but new to me.

Times on the beach. Our families would picnic near the end of the day. I remember you getting stung by a jelly fish. We all panicked a bit and I saw your Dad Mike who called his Mom. Your family matriarch who knows a lot about UCLA basketball, John Wooden, and ping pong. I don't recall what she said but all worked out.

And Kai, the quiet one, who knows you so well, the older sister with guidance, sometimes too much, but on the mark. Your are in him forever.

All these strong women in your life, your best friend, your Mom. Got to love that. And not always the case.

And your aunt and Mike's sister, you made me think how cool it was to be part of the Wang family. When you and Kai were really little, she would come over, and as she would leave, she would go outside, blow on the window, steam up the window, and make a heart. Endings are not endings just because we leave.

Hugs toward the sky.

Thanks for the mask you made me a few weeks ago. The fabric for the inside has texture, has a subtle design, and so soft. The outside plain. Nice to think you prioritize my insides.

Marc

Family Friend and Neighbor and Euchre Player

June 6, 2020

Dear Clare, Mike and Kai. We are so saddened by the loss of your darling girl. What a bright and shining star she was, so talented and lovely. Memories from the Marquez days and Girl Scouts linger and she will always be in our hearts. Sending love and light to you all.

You wonderful caring heart. I am so blessed to have known you, to have had you in my room. Your kindness, art, and warm spirit made the 504 room real, and your work will remain on the walls there for so long as I am. Thank You Meilani, I hope to see you again in a bright, beautiful place where Justice Will always Prevail! Say hi to L for me. grant smith

I am sending you all my deepest condolences. Meilani was one of the first friends I made in girl scouts when I joined the troop in seventh grade. When I first joined the troop, I had been kind of scared because I only knew one other person and everyone else was already so close, but Meilani always went out of her way to make sure I felt included and seen. I don't even know if she realized how meaningful this was to me, but it was because of her that our troop started feeling like a family to me. She was a really bright light and a joy to be around. I'll always remember and be inspired by her kindness and thoughtfulness. Meilani truly lived a life worth celebrating, she was an unforgettable soul and I'm thankful I got to call her my friend.

Clare, Mike, Kai and Wang family,
Sending our condolences for this devastating loss. Much love

Dear Clare & Mike - Over the years, I've been amazed to hear you speak about your beautiful, smart, kind, animal-loving, Winston-rehabilitating (bonus points from me) daughter, Meilani. You've been in my thoughts the past week. My heart breaks for you both, Kai, and all who knew and loved her. May Meilani's love and light shine on through your cherished memories.

Our deepest condolences on the loss of Meilani. Buddhist philosopher Daisaku Ikeda wrote From the standpoint of eternity, there is hardly any difference between a long and a short life. Therefore, it's not whether one's life is long or short, but how one lives that is important. It is what we accomplish, the degree to which we develop our state of life, the number of people we help become happythat is what matters. In this lifetime Meilani accomplished this and made a lot of people happy just to know her. Our hearts are broken but Meilani's eternal spirit is not. We pray for her next mission to touch more lives. ❤

My condolences to the family

Dear Clare, Mike and Kai, there are no words to express how heartbroken we are. Your beautiful Meilani, with a smile that would radiate across the room, was the kindest, sweetest girl with the biggest heart. She touched so many people deeply, and always will, Much love always, Julie, Peter, Parker and Liam ❤

We are so sorry to hear this devastating news. The words escape me, but my heart is with you. We only met her a few times, but it is clear Meilani's spirit is generous and loving like her family. Sending our love and condolences.

Dear Clare, Mike and Kai,
We are so saddened by your incredible loss. Meilani was such a beautiful and kind soul. She was an exceptional artist and I was always amazed seeing her creations at Julie V's. We would always talk about how incredible her art was. The image I will always carry in my memories of Meilani are from her 7th (or 8th?) fairy birthday party at the park. It was the sweetest party with all the little girls running around dressed as fairies and going on a scavenger hunt. I'll never forget how magical Claire made that day for Meilani and for all of the girls--the beaming smile on Meilani's face said it all. She really believed she was a fairy and so did we. I hope now she is frolicking in heaven with all of the other beautiful young fairies and will watch over your family and bring you strength in your time of grief. We will never forget her and are sending you so much love.

Michael, Clare, Kai and the entire beautiful Wang Family. I love you like family and share your pain. May you experience many moments of joy remembering a bright Star still shining on you from above, the remainder of your days...until you meet again❤

Dearest Clare, Mike & Kai Our hearts are breaking and there are no words that can truly explain the sorrow we feel for your loss of dear Meilani . We are sending our deepest sympathies and want you to know that we are here for you, whatever you need, always. May you feel the love surround you from all the people who were touched by Meilani. She was a true gem and I am so blessed to have had the chance to know her. A beautiful person inside and out, full of compassion and empathy, love and kindness, for her family, friends, animals and nature. And of course, an amazing artistic spirit! May you feel her walk beside you every day as your guardian angel.
We love you Kari, Eric, Taylor & Shelby

Marquez and Girl Scout memories xo

Marquez and Girl Scout memories xo

Marquez and Girl Scout memories xo

Marquez and Girl Scout memories xo

Marquez and Girl Scout memories xo

Marquez and Girl Scout memories
xo

Dear Clare, Mike, and Kai. Our hearts and thoughts are with you. It's clear from the many tributes that Meilani will not be forgotten. Sending our love.

Ms. G, we are so very sorry for your loss. You have been such a beacon of warmth, care, resilience and positivity for us this year and we wish we could give you just a fraction of that in your time of need. Your family is in our thoughts, prayers and hearts. Sending you so much love and support.

Meilani was one of the sweetest girls I have ever met. She was so beautiful, kind, smart and overall a wonderful girl. The memories we have had since elementary school will be remembered forever. I wish Clare, Mike, and Kai my condolences and love during this hard time. Much Love, Ava Sahebi

To Clare Mike and Kai,
We are unbelievably sad to hear of your loss. Zoey and I have wonderful memories of Meilani and will never forget her beauty, inside and out. Our thoughts are with you and we send our love.

We are sending you our deepest sympathies and love at this time. Meilani's spirit, beauty and extraordinary talents will live on forever.

To Clare, Mike and Kai-
What a beautiful, loving, talented daughter and sister. I will miss peeking into your classroom and seeing Meilani's beautiful notes and works of art on your whiteboard (with expo pens?! How does one do that?). I am so sorry for your loss and send you all, all my love, virtual hugs and prayers.

We are so fortunate to live on the best block in all of Los Angeles, with neighbors that are also friends, watching each others children grow up. Over the years I was always so happy when I would see Meilani out on the street and do everything I could to keep her in conversation to prolong my time with her. She was always doing something interesting and engaging; sewing camp, volleyball, anime, Activities with her church group, watching fun movies with her friends. My children loved when she would come babysit because she was always willing to play with them on their level. Not many teenagers will put down their phones to play imaginary games with little boys. Watching her grow from a little girl into a young woman was a privilege to see. Although I am sad that I will no longer have those stolen moments on the street With her or at our block party, my heart breaks for Mike and Clare. Your daughter had a beautiful spirit and her light shone on so many. I hope that you get some comfort in knowing how loved and admired Meilani was.

Dear Clare, Mike, and Kai,
My heart is with you during this difficult time. Meilani was a beautiful girl, inside and out. It was a privilege to have worked with her in 5th grade.

Dear Clare, Mike, and Kai,
Our hearts are with you. We send love and prayers for your strength and comfort. Meilani's beautiful spirit will be with you always.

We are so sorry for the loss of your beautiful Meilani. Words just can't express how devastated we feel for your family. Eva and Stella remember what a kind, helpful and talented artist Meilani was in their summer art camps with Ms. Julie. Sending all our love to you and your family

I think God needed an extra, extra special angel right now, and there was no one better to choose than sweet Meilani.

Dear Clare and family,
Words can not express how sorry we are for your loss. We can't even begin to imagine what you are going through, but hope you feel the love and support of everyone around you, as you make it through this difficult time. We hope all of the good memories bring you comfort. What a beautiful daughter she was. We never met her but have heard she was so kind and creative and whoever knew her thought the world of her. Our family sends love and condolences for your loss. Caden also specifically wanted me to mention his condolences and how in all of his schooling you were one of his absolute favorite teachers who was one of the nicest he knew. Sounds like Meilani was one of the nicest too. May her loving spirit rest in peace.
Love,
Christine, Steve, Caden and Sara Eckhoff

I still remember the day our oldest told me about a certain classmate of his at Marquez. And I remember thinking how sweet it was to hear this little boy pronounce her name, Meilani. I thought, Meilani, what a beautiful name. Not knowing at the time how important and special she and her family would become to us.
Her name is perfect for her. What a beautiful soul, an amazing spirit, a true artist and wonderful friend. Clare, Mike, Kai - our hearts are broken for you. We love all of you so much, and are devastated by your loss. Please know how much you are in our thoughts and prayers, and we hope you can feel the love of your friends and community in this deeply difficult time.

Dear Clare, Mike and Kai,
We have such wonderful memories of beautiful Meilani during our years at Marquez. The cakes we baked for the cake walk, the costumes the girls created for the Halloween Festival, to making taffy with marshmallows for Pioneer Days. Meilani was always playful, very creative and willing to share and care. We remember her giggle and smile that would fill the room with brightness. We are sending you prayers, love and strength during this most difficult time.
Linda, Hulya and Isabella Sehidoglu xo

Our hearts go out to your family during this very difficult time. You are in our prayers and we are so sorry for your loss. May the love of your friends, family and community comfort you at this most challenging time. Offering our sincerest condolences to you and your family.

My heart is broken. Meilani has always been the most selfless, caring, kind, beautiful, and creative person I've ever known. She has forever impacted my life and I doubt there will be a day where she leaves my mind. From everyone Meilani has impacted, thank you. Your life was so beautiful. To her family: I can't imagine your position and I truly feel for you. If you ever are struggling I hope you remember all of us thinking about you and sending you love. This is a life that will never be forgotten. So much love, so much <3

Our hearts ache for Meilani's parents, brother and entire family. We are sending our prayers and thoughts to everyone!!

We are very sorry for your loss. We remember Meilani fondly from Marquez and her performances in the 5th grade plays. Prayers for your family. Melanie and Ryan Patton

I am not surprised that Meilani grew up to be such an incredibly beautiful, genuine and caring individual. It is in her DNA.

I see her face and smile. I hear her sweet voice and laughter. I feel her warmth and love. I sense her gentleness and compassion. She was.... a rarity. I miss my precious niece so much. Every part of me aches.

Thank you Meilani for giving me all the wonderful memories over the years. You live in my heart, I love you and I will miss you forever.

We are so sorry for your profound loss. Abby and Drew always raved about what an amazing artist Meilani was. We are thinking of your family and sending you our very deepest condolences during this difficult time.

Clare, we are so heartbroken to hear of your devastating loss. We will be keeping you and Meilani in our hearts and thoughts at this incredibly difficult time. We are sending your family all of our strength and love.

Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with all of your forever more. Meilani was a beautiful soul; and now, we hope and believe that she is at peace and that she will forever be a magnificent spirit watching over all of you! This past Friday night, we included all of you in our prayers and said a special memorial prayer for Meilani. Please know that we are here whenever you need us...always and forever. With love, Randy and Jeffrey Hain & Family

I did not know Meilani very well until she began to house-sit for Nancy and myself when we left on small trips. I discovered, in talking to her that she was an exceptionally warm and loving person who added a great deal to our small Wellesley community. Her death leaves a void in the community and she will be sorely missed.

Every time I saw Meilani she made a strong impression on me. Her questions were full of ideas and new ways to look at things, I enjoyed her company so much when she was a kid that I was genuinely looking forward to getting to know her as an adult. I don't have the right words to tell you how deeply sorry I am. Kai, Clare, Mike, you are in my thoughts.

Michael, I am sorry for your loss. There are no words of comfort that will truly help at a time like this , but do know that time heals all wounds. I am praying for strength to get you, Clare and Kai through these trying times. My heart goes out to you and the rest of the family. May god bless you all.

Clare, Mike and Kai,

We are holding you in our hearts. Seeing the photos of Meilani makes this feel impossiblewhat a beautiful girl you had. All of our love to you.

Erin and Chris

We are so sorry for your devastating loss. You daughter was clearly so wonderful and so loved. We are sending you love and strength.

We are so deeply sorry for your loss.

We are absolutely heartbroken over the loss of Meilani. Clare, you spoke often of your daughter Meilani. Always with such pride and with a smile on your face. We send you and your family love and strength during this difficult time. You are all in our thoughts and we are here for anything you might need.

Adorable little girl! Elegant young lady! Meilani!
Dearest Clare, Mike and Kai,
Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with each of you.
We wish you comfort and peace each day, each hour, each minute.
With love and hugs, June, Ed, Mark & Katie

Dear Clare, we hold you so close to our hearts. My daughters cherished the times they had in your classroom. We are so deeply saddened by your loss and are sending you and your family all our love now and forever...

The Branch family is devastated to learn of the loss of your beautiful daughter. We are so deeply sorry for your loss. Much love from us all.

The Branch family is devastated to hear of the loss of your beautiful daughter. Our hearts ache for your deep loss. Love to you all.

Ever since we moved onto Wellesley, Meilani was most of the time only over the fence away. We heard her we saw her and now we miss her so much feeling deeply saddened. Dear Mike, dear Clare, we send you our deepest condolences and will keep you in our thoughts with all our ❤. Love Lily, Jeff and Anna.

Meilani was a very close friend of my oldest sister for much of elementary school and middle school. As a younger girl, I looked up to Meilani a lot. I thought that she was so beautiful and smart and artistic and kind, and I wanted to be like her. She was by far the sweetest friend of my sister's. I loved when she came over. Understandably, some girls may not want to engage with their friends' younger sisters, but Meilani was never hesitant to spend time with my other sister and I. She was very patient and caring with us. She was a great role model and still is for me. I was heartbroken to hear of her passing. Her lovely soul is resting in paradise now. ❤

I have such beautiful and delightful memories of sweet little Meilani with baby Coco. They were so adorable together. Being her neighbor was a gift. I cherish the memories. Love love love to Mike, Clare, Kai

Dear Clare, Mike and Kai: Anna, Zara, Ariel and I cannot express our sorrow in words right now. When we heard about this, we were stunned and deeply saddened. We mourn for Meilani, and want to reach out to help you in any way we can. Our prayers and love are with all of you in this time of need.

Every day the kids and I put on masks that were carefully and thoughtfully sewn by Meilani. The fact that Meilani's immediate response to the pandemic was to make masks is just one example of both her empathy and creativity. It perfectly sums up who she is. Deeply empathic with people, animals and nature. Wildly creative from creating her cosplay costumes, sewing her prom dress and making art. I was constantly in awe of all she did and am heartbroken that the world will not have a chance to experience all she had to give.

Ben had such a great year in your classroom. You always beamed when you talked about your children. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family during this unimaginable loss. Sending lots of love. Your Marquez community loves you.

I have known Meilani my whole life because our moms are best friends. She drove me to and from school at Pali for a whole year. Even though we weren't that close, I could see what a special person she was. She helped me get used to going to Pali, and was so nice to everyone. I am going to miss her so much. I want to send my love to Clare, Mike and Kai. Love, Wilson

I have known Meilani ever since I was a baby. She babysat me a long time ago, and I have known her so long it is almost like she was in my family. We used to play on iPads together and she would play whatever game I wanted to play. She was just like that. Even though I knew her my whole life, I feel as if I never even touched the surface of her personality. I miss Meilani so much. Love, Holden

Meilani was a great friend to me. She was intelligent and creative with a beautiful soul. We met at a youth group and went on trips together where we got closer each time. We spent some nights together sitting outside in the fresh air just talking. These conversations seemed so little at the time, but now I can't get them off my mind. Meilani was so caring, someone I knew I could go to if I ever needed anything and she would be there. Her smile lit up every room and her laugh was contagious.

I'm sending all my love and prayers to all of Meilani's close friends and family during this time.❤

Claire, I am so sorry for the loss of your darling girl. My heart aches for you and your wonderful family. Sending love to you all.

clare, the Sacks family was devastated to hear about Meilani. there are no words to convey the sadness and loss you must feel, but hopefully the love and support of the Marquez community is helping to alleviate at least an ounce of the pain. elliott, julian, cary and i send you all of our love, support and healing wishes. again,...so incredibly sorry for your profound loss. all our love, julie and the Sacks family

Our hearts broke when we heard about Meliani. We are all sending our love and prayers to you, Mike and Kai. There are no adequate words. We are just so so sorry for your loss.

There are no words to properly express our sympathy for you and your family. All I wish is that you find strength in each other and support one another and when family and friends offer help, love , or simply their presence, take it. The loss of your beautiful and soulful daughter will reverberate through our community and beyond. ❤❤❤

My heart breaks with this news. I send my love to you and your family. I have beautiful memories of her but one I hold very dear to me I would like to share. She was a talented artist from the very beginning, she taught me how to make these incredible snow flakes out of tissue paper and paper napkins. She knew how to make beautiful artwork with the most simplest of things. I will forever hold that memory of her in my heart.

Claire, Mike and Kai,
Words cannot express our profound sadness at Meilani's passing! I have such fond memories of coloring Easter eggs and Easter egg hunts when the kids were little. I also remember some fun happy hours spent at the Lowe's Hotel. Please know Claire that I'm sending you and your family Lots of love and prayers to help guide you through this horrible time.

-Janet El-Zoghby
Rochester Hills, Michigan
May 30,2020

Meilani lit up the classroom with her bright smile, curious eyes, and fun spirit!!I am so sad to hear this heartbreaking news.Clare, Mike, and Kai I am holding you close in my heart and wrapping you with all my love and prayers!!My thoughts are with you, we love you, oh Meilani, sweet angel, we love you

Meilani was bright shining star at Mt Olive Preschool. She was sweet, kind and liked by everyone. I am so sad to hear this heart breaking news. My love and prayers go out to you Clair, Mike and Kai.

Meilani was truly a beautiful and gentle soul. So creative and talented. She radiated such a sweet energy and embodied all that was good. Always kind and always there to help anyone and everyone. We will remember her kind, loving spirit forever. Clare, Mike and Kai, we are so sorry for your loss and heartbroken over the news. We are here for you. With love, Katie, Mark, Natalie and Sara Medernach