PHYLLIS OMDAL

August 2, 1930 - March 25, 2016

Margaret Philomena Omdal, age 85 a long time resident of Skagit Valley passed away peacefully with family by her side on Friday, March 25, 2016.

"Phyllis" was the ninth of thirteen children and was born on August 2, 1930 in County Cork, Ireland.

After moving to England as a young girl with her family they settled in a little town north of London called Bedford. She had no idea she would meet the 63 year love of her life, Boyd Omdal from Bow, Washington who was stationed there in the Air Force in the fall of 1952. After a year and a half of dating and dancing they became engaged and Boyd returned to the states to make plans for Phyllis to follow.

After Phyllis traveled here on the Queen Mary the summer of 1955 Boyd and Phyllis were married September 30, 1955 in Sedro Wooley. They just recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with a gala of friends and family.

Phyllis enjoyed traveling and besides her many trips back "home" to England, she loved her time in Arizona for winters and in recent years going up to their place in Birch Bay to be by the water. She wasn't much of a hobby person; when Phyllis wasn't keeping Boyd "in line" she enjoyed her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Boyd and Phyllis had two children, Patti and Tim, and were fortunate to travel stateside and abroad to visit their son Tim many times during his career in the Air Force for 29 years. Phyllis was grateful that Patti always lived fairly close and she had a constant, close relationship with her daughter. Quoted by her grandchildren "'Gramma Phyllis' was fun and silly with her karate chop kicking antics and was gullible to believe anything you told her."

She was known to the kids for her green grapes and poorly cut cheddar cheese pieces for the snack on the go and or if lucky some of her famous zucchini bread.

With the traveling and dancing days behind them, and age and health issues popping up Phyllis and Boyd slowed down the pace the past couple years. Phyllis looked forward to her daily calls from her daughter and weekly routines, such as drives to La Conner for her favorite fish and chips, Saturday night Mass and the Olive Garden and or a wine and a meal at other favorite spots in the Valley to visit with friends.

Phyllis had a warm and generous heart with a quick wit and was loved by her family and friends dearly.

Preceding her in death are her parents, eight siblings, her son in law Michael Wiemerslage and her granddaughter Chelsea.

Survivors include her loving husband, Boyd, her daughter Patti Sands of Stanwood, son Tim (Cathy) of Colorado Springs, CO; four grandchildren, Colin Sands (Alisa) of Conway, Jordyn Sands (fiancée Chris) of Camano Island, Matthew Omdal of Bellingham, Victoria Omdal of Colorado Springs, and three great-grandchildren, Aidan, Maren and Dylan Sands. She is also survived by three sisters, one brother and many nieces and nephews in the States and England and Ireland.

There is a Mass being held for Phyllis today, March 29th at 3 pm, St. Charles Catholic Church in Burlington followed with a gathering to celebrate her at the Burlington Eagles. Donations are suggested to St. Charles Catholic Church and or the American Lung Society.