Penny Ann "Minnie" Wak Wak-Gregorio

Penny Ann "Minnie" Wak Wak-Gregorio (66) passed away Tuesday evening, February 17, 2015 in Spokane, Washington. Born April 5, 1948 into the Nespelem, Washington home of Isaac W. and Rose Covington-Wak Wak, Penny graduated high school and then graduated from Beautician School. In addition to working as a beautician in California, Minnie was a "Jack of all trades", excelling in everything she did. For a time she was a secretary but, from the moment Minnie became employed at the Tribal Trading Post as a cashier, it was clear that she "took over" the store. Whether in Nespelem or Keller, Minnie's outgoing personality made everyone tribal or non-tribal feel completely accepted and welcome; she was everyone's friend. A Maverick Member of the Outlaw Club in her youth, Minnie always loved to have fun and dance, but for the last fifteen years her greatest JOY was spending time at home with her husband and soul-mate: Jose'. Everyone was welcome in their home, especially young people, for whom she kept two refrigerators: one full of food and another stocked with different soft drinks. The first question she would often ask a visitor to her house was, "Did you eat?" If the answer was, "No", then the next words out of Minnie's mouth would be, "Jose, let's get them something to eat!" If anyone ever left their home hungry, it was their own fault. The "Mother Hen" of the family, Minnie not only saw that everyone ate well, but when a family member was in need, she was there. She personally cared for her mother during her illness, as well as many of her younger siblings when they were sick. One memory of Minnie is that she would start her own "parades." Minnie would be driving somewhere, possibly leading other family members to a location in their cars, and drive slower than the posted speed limit for the sole purpose of having a "Parade."

Preceded in death by both of her parents; child Casey Adrian; brothers: Phillip J., Johnny, Joseph and Wallace Wak Wak and sister: Nancy Wak Wak; Minnie's legacy lives on through her beloved husband Jose' Gregorio; children: Stacy Adrian, Lewis Adrian, Isaac Wak Wak and Selena Adrian; grandchildren: Sammantha Adrian, Luciana Gregorio, Clarrisa Gregorio, Talon Adrian, Jazzlyn Adrian, Sam Phillip Adrian, Jordan Adrian and Kieran Adrian; great-grandchildren: A'mya Adrian, Kayzik Adrian and Zynthia Adrian-Picard; siblings: Pearl Sammaripa, Isaac Robert Wak Wak, Eliza Palmer, Shirley A. Wak Wak, Sam Wak Wak, Joan Wak Wak-Sammaripa, Janet Nicholson, Marie Condon and Nina Wak Wak; and many-many nieces and nephews who loved their Auntie Minnie.

A 10 a.m., dressing was held Wednesday, February 18, 2015, at Strate Funeral Home in Grand Coulee, Washington; Washut Services were held at 7 p.m., Thursday, February 19, 2015 in The Nespelem Catholic Longhouse, and sunrise burial held Friday, February 20, 2015 in the Nespelem Catholic Cemetery.

Please sign Minnie's on-line guest book at http://www.stratefuneralhome.com. Strate Funeral Home of Grand Coulee, Wash., is honored to be serving Minnie's family.