3/2/1964 – 10/13/2026

In Loving Memory of Lani Mendelsohn Fierstein

Lani Mendelsohn Fierstein, of Colfax, California, was a bright light in the lives of the many people fortunate enough to know her. With her radiant smile, outgoing personality, quick wit, and generous heart, Lani had a remarkable ability to turn strangers into friends. Wherever she went, she brought warmth, laughter, and a little extra sparkle.

Born in Los Angeles, California, to Barbara and Saul Mendelsohn, Lani was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, stepmother, grandmother, and friend. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Barbara and Saul, earlier this year. She is survived by her sisters, Tami Condie and Nancy Stamp, both of Roseville, California; her husband, Jeff Fierstein, whom she married in 2004; and her beloved son, Spencer Fierstein, born in 2010. Spencer was Lani’s greatest joy and proudest accomplishment. She lovingly called him her “miracle baby,” and her love for him was immeasurable. Lani also leaves behind her stepchildren, Bryan Fierstein and Nicole Lytle, and her cherished grandchildren, Landon Fierstein, Gavin Fierstein, Jonah Lytle, and Flora Lytle. Her family held a special place in her heart, and the love she shared with them was central to her life.

Lani was a saleswoman at heart, with an entrepreneurial spirit and a natural gift for connecting with people. She and her sister started a jewelry business in the Sears store in Sacramento, eventually expanding to five jewelry carts throughout the region. For 17 years, Lani poured her energy, personality, and business savvy into the venture before closing its doors to focus on starting a family. Later, she spent many years selling makeup and supplements through businesses that empowered people to build successful careers of their own. She loved helping others succeed and took genuine pleasure in seeing people grow and thrive.

If there was one thing Lani loved almost as much as her family and friends, it was shopping. She delighted in the thrill of finding a bargain and had a special talent for discovering incredible deals. A true girly girl, she loved getting dressed up, doing her makeup, and adorning herself in her finest “bling bling.” She enjoyed looking her best and brought that same enthusiasm and flair to so many aspects of her life.

Lani also loved the outdoors, especially fishing, and treasured the time she spent with friends. She created a monthly dinner club that brought a circle of friends together to share meals, stories, laughter, and companionship. Friendship was never something she took for granted. She nurtured her relationships, loved telling stories and jokes, and had a way of making people feel welcome and included. Her friendships were an important part of who she was. Old friends and new friends alike were in her thoughts often and the many people who loved her will remember the joy and laughter she brought into their lives.

In later years, Lani faced one of life’s most difficult challenges: major depressive disorder. For more than two years, she fought courageously against this illness. Depression can be an invisible and devastating struggle, and despite her efforts, Lani ultimately lost hope. There was a part of this struggle that she found difficult to share because of the stigma and embarrassment she felt surrounding her illness. Yet her story is an important reminder that depression is a medical condition, not a personal failing, and that even those who bring tremendous joy to others can be suffering deeply within.

In sharing this part of Lani’s life, her family hopes to honor her wishes to offer encouragement to others facing similar struggles. May her story remind those who are suffering that they are not alone, that there is no shame in asking for help, and that their lives matter more than they may realize in their darkest moments. Mental illness deserves the same compassion, understanding, and care as any other illness.

Lani will be remembered for her brilliant smile, her entrepreneurial spirit, her love of family, her devotion to her friends, her quick humor, her love of shopping and all things sparkly, and her remarkable ability to connect with people. She lived with enthusiasm, loved generously, and created friendships that enriched her life and the lives of those around her.

Though her family and friends grieve her loss, they will carry forward the memories of her laughter, her stories, her unmistakable personality, and the love she gave so freely. The world was brighter with Lani in it, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

May she be remembered not for the illness that took her hope, but for the love, laughter, friendship, and sparkle she brought into the world.

A memorial service celebrating the life of Lani will be held at 10:00 a.m. in the chapel at Hooper and Weaver Mortuary, 459 Hollow Way, Nevada City, CA. Graveside services will immediately follow at Sierra Memorial Lawn, located at the same address.

The family will share reception details at the service.