Perri Ann Ricci
Perri Ann Ricci, also known as “Puka Perri,” passed away on January 7, 2025 in Kihei. She was 36 years old and is survived by her loving husband, Matias, and son, Luka. Perri grew up in New Hope, Pennsylvania with her loving parents and three younger siblings; but Maui had been her physical and spiritual home for the past 14 years.
Perri was a fierce entrepreneur and owned two local businesses. Her first endeavor, Puka Perri, was her second child. It all began with her love of the ocean and shell hunting. She had the opportunity to play and experiment in her dear auntie's jewelry studio, stringing pukas together and drilling away – and Puka Perri was born. With the help of her family and community, she was able to pour her heart and soul into Puka Perri, which over the years, has blossomed into a one-of-a-kind luxury jewelry brand. In 2019, she co-founded The Monarch Collective in Makawao, giving her beautiful jewelry a permanent retail home, while also providing a space for other artists to sell their unique creations.
Perri was a wonderful mother, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, niece, granddaughter, friend, artist, and businesswoman; but at her core, Perri was a creative manifester, a boisterous cheerleader, and a true lover of life. She created a beautiful family, community, and business on her dream home of Maui. She encouraged and inspired others to open their hearts, take risks, and go after their dreams. She always said “yes” to new experiences and opportunities for growth. Perri had an infectious energy that lit up and filled any space she entered. She was larger than life, and a gift to everyone who knew her.
Her legacy will live on through her family, friends, and treasured jewelry, in the warm embrace of Mama Maui and among the ebb and flow of her beloved Pacific Ocean.
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