Lani (Parrish) Block

Lani Block aka 'Granny Lani', born Lanalou Parrish in Shelbyville Illinois on April 11, 1947, passed from this realm on March 30, 2023. She escaped the restrictive physical form, passing naturally in hospice with her family by her side. A lung mass, presumed to be cancer, obstructed her breathing and caused pneumonia. Her worst fear was living in her body forever, so she accepted the news with grace, light, and even relief. We all expected her time in hospice to last more than a few days, but Lani had other plans.

Lani had a fun-filled childhood growing up in Illinois with siblings, her cousin, and close friends. They had many novel-worthy adventures. She graduated in 1965 from Sullivan High School.

She lived in Cascabel AZ from 1994 to 2023; spreading the ashes of her late husband of 23 years, Brian Block, on her hillside in 2006. She often spoke of her desire to be buried on her property. Her final wishes would be fufilled on April 6th, 2023, at 6:45pm. The night of the Pink Moon, at sunset, surrounded by family and friends. You are welcome to watch the video of her burial here:

https://youtu.be/6l2wduHrtTs

Lani served the public as a food server, spreading a bright light to co-workers and guests. She took joy in serving, making many friends along the way. She lived in Tucson from 1977 to 1994. She and Brian Block married in 1982.

She was proceeded to the next realm by her husband Brian Block, her son Jan Christian, her best friend Rosemary, and her parents Marian Joan Christman Parrish Hood and Bert Grey Parrish Jr. Lani is survived by her daughters, Summer Davis and Leah Shaw; her sisters, Lori Parrish Niemi and Luralyn Parrish Rightnour, her brother Lindsey Christman Parrish and her maternal first cousin Lance Christian Beery. She is also survived by Grandchildren, Sarah, Mia, AJ, and Max; and her Great Grandchildren Aiden, Alex, and Lily.

Granny Lani was family to many other people, whether blood-related or not they are still her kids and grandkids. This list is so long that it’s likely someone would be missed the list was attempted. If you called her Granny Lani, she was your Granny too. Everyone who knew her, loved her.

She lived her life the way she wanted. She was brave, kind and gentle, generous, and unconventional. Lani loved music, and played trumpet in her high school band. Her entire family was musical, and Lani also played piano and sang and harmonized beautifully, as she had been taught by her Mother, a professional musician. Lani was an accomplished seamstress, and loved any type of needlework, even creating adorable dolls for friends and family. Lani loved nature, plants, rocks, astronomy, and everything having to do with ecology. Lani possessed a brilliant, resourceful, and inventive mind, and her wit and sense of humor were two of her keenest assets. Lani was absolutely THE best mother in the universe. Her light shines on though all who were blessed to have known her, and Lani’s light is eternal.

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