Lani M. DeRusha Sly, 45, unexpectedly passed away on October 27, 2021; at Maine Medical Thayer in Waterville. Born on November 26, 1975 in Boston; Lani was raised in Salisbury Mass.and lived half her adult years in Mass and NH before moving to California with her husband, nearly 20 years ago. Lani always called herself ' a New England girl ' and recently moved back to the East coast to live and be back with the family she cherished; her aunt Robin Parents; cousin Sarah Parents, her fiance James Starbird; cousin Bryan Parents, his fiance McKenzie Chambrello and their son Faolan; cousin Shannon Parents, her fiance Matthew Dumais and their daughter Haiden. Lani was best known for her contagious laugh, loving and generous personality and devotion to family. Her passion in life was to do for others. Countless gifts of love to animal shelters, donations to organizations that help children at risk, delivering food to elderly or shut in neighbors was part of her daily routine. Lani received awards several years, for collecting the highest amount of holiday donations in her district, while being a Salvation Army bell ringer. She said she would say hello to every person; offering candy canes, Christmas ornaments, cards and treats to everyone who passed by. She recently said, " I like to give back. It keeps me busy and makes me happy. I feel blessed to be able to pay things forward . If everyone thinks someone else is helping or doing, then nothing gets done. " Lani will be greatly missed by her service dog; faithful and constant companion, Jinjar. She was predeceased by her parents, Marlon G. DeRusha and Joanne M. (Dow) DeRusha. While living in California , she was predeceased by her Mother in law, Carol Johnson, her husband Mark Sly and their daughter Dakota. She will be missed by many California friends she considered to be as family. She also leaves behind several special New England childhood friends.