It is with the deepest sadness that we must announce the passing Raven McElman. She passed away peacefully on Monday, August 12, 2019 around noon. She had been successfully battling lung cancer for over a year, but ultimately succumbed to complications. Raven was a pioneer member of the SGI-USA. She believed in the mission of world peace with all her heart. She worked towards that goal while working full-time as a grant writer for public education and raising her children. She kept her family together through the truama of losing her first son, Stephane, before his 3rd birthday. She never gave up her powerful positive spirit. After moving to Orlando, FL, she took up leaderships positions in Orlando while raising three children, working full time, chanting every morning and night, and getting dinner on the table for family dinners every night. She continued encouraging everyone she met to reach for all their dreams and happiness until her dying day. She is survived by her children Nicole Marie Leggett Bennett, Jaime Burton Leggett, and Courteney Lynn Leggett and her grandchildren, Nicole's sons, Trypp Alesander Burnett, Tyronn Aangus Burnett, and Trumann Argylle Burnett. In lieu of flowers or casseroles, we ask that you make any donations to Soka University of America.

Donations can be made online at http://www.soka.edu/giving/default.aspx or by check payable to "Soka University" with an indication that it is sent in memory of Raven McElman mailed to:

Linda Kennedy Soka University 1 University Dr. Aliso Viejo, CA 92656