Phyllis A. OKELLO

She was "Nonna Phyllis," mother, wife and daughter, our sister and aunt, friend and neighbor. Phyllis Anne (Wasson) Okello passed from this life on February 15, 2025.

She was born in Spokane and grew up in our large family. A graduate of St. Leo's High School ('71, Tacoma, WA) and Gonzaga University, where she earned her bachelor's degree in accounting ('75) and Masters of Business Administration ('82). While an undergrad, she was involved in student life as a resident assistant. It was there that she developed many lasting friendships.

Phyllis began her professional career at GU working in and later serving as director of Student Accounts. She also worked for several years at Seattle University and at RGIS Inventory Services, working in Fife and Lynnwood. She last worked at Krazan engineering/construction company before retiring and returning to Spokane for the past five years.

She married Lwanda Okello in 1983, with whom she shared their son, Marcel. Phyllis raised "Mo" in Seattle where she provided a good life and Catholic education for him.

She enjoyed reading, playing cribbage, watching and attending sporting events of many types, joining others for movies and plays, and recently, attending Gonzaga Women's Basketball games, traveling to WCC tournaments, on cruises and other trips.

Phyllis was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in January 2023, which she fought with every fiber of her being. She was grateful for the help and support of surgeon Dr. Hyuana, oncologist Dr. Gourley, her physician Dr. Stoop, and Cancer MultiCare and their teams, family members, and friends Peggy Solum and Debbie Piper.

Preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Emma Wasson; brother, Curt; nephews, Ben Wasson and Danny Hawkins, and Lwanda Okello.

She is survived by her son, Marcel and his wife, Maggie; grandsons, Julien and Avery Okello; siblings, Paul (Monica), Patricia (SNJM), Geralyn, Ron (Andrea) and Vince Wasson; Sue (Jeff) Kramer, Mary Rose Hawkins, and Barbara (George) Cheathem; numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom were the recipients of her great love, kindness and endless support in their lives and endeavors.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday March 1, 2025, at 10:00am, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, 3624 W. Indian Trail Road, Spokane, WA. Reception following in the parish hall. Inurnment, 3:00pm, Holy Cross Cemetery, 7200 N Wall. www.holycrossofspokane.org