Lani Beth Chambers, 73, of Venice, Florida, passed away on June 11, 2026.

Lani was born on December 20, 1952, in Washington, D.C., to Ezra and Myrle Cornelsen. She grew up in the Maryland suburbs of Washington alongside her younger sister, Connie. Her father worked in finance for the United States Air Force at the Pentagon, while her mother devoted herself to caring for Lani and Connie.

Lani cherished her childhood memories of summers spent on the local swim team, family vacations to the beach, and trips to Kansas to visit relatives. She, her sister, and her mother also spent many weekends exploring the museums and landmarks of the National Mall.

Creativity was a central part of her life. Lani loved crafting, arranging flowers, and creating beautiful wreaths and handmade gifts for family and friends. She studied fashion merchandising in community college and had the opportunity to visit some of New York City's premier design houses before moving with her family to Denver, Colorado, in the summer of 1977.

In Colorado, Lani's creativity flourished. She became manager of the China and Silver Department at The Denver department store, where her talent earned her The Silver Bowl Award for best displays among all department stores in the city for two consecutive years.

Lani loved Colorado. In Boulder, she met John Chambers, the love of her life, and they were married on June 9, 1984. Together they enjoyed spending time with family, helping care for their niece and nephew, tending their garden, and cheering on their beloved Denver Broncos. As devoted season ticket holders, they rarely missed a game, even when snow covered the stadium seats.

Lani and John purchased land in Westcliffe, nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of southern Colorado. There they enjoyed camping, boating, and dreaming of one day building a home together. They shared twenty years before John's passing in 2003.

Professionally, Lani dedicated her career to Denver Public Schools, where she worked for 35 years in Food and Nutrition Services. She served in many roles throughout her tenure and formed lasting relationships with colleagues who became dear friends.

Lani fought hard to remain with her loved ones, surviving breast cancer in 2002 and battled a failing heart. In the end her body just couldn’t go on.

Lani will be remembered as a sweet and tender person. An animal lover, a person who noticed the details in life, and who cared for her family members deeply. She took care of her aging mother, her nieces & nephew, great nephews, and her treasured dog Jack. She was a beloved, daughter, sister, wife, aunt and friend. Her smile will be missed.

Lani is survived by her sister, Connie (James) Green; her niece and nephew, Cassie (Ben) Lochridge and Sean (Michelle) Green; and her two great-nephews, Ezra and Owen. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, John Chambers.

A Celebration of Life will be held this fall in Colorado, the state she loved and missed dearly. Details will be shared with family and friends at a later date.