Shirley Ann Wak Wak

Shirley Ann Wak Wak, 67, was born May 13, 1949, in Nespelem, Washington, to Isaac and Rose Marie (Covington) Wak Wak. She died Friday afternoon, May 20, 2016, surrounded by her loving family at her home in Coulee Dam, Washington. Shirley graduated from Coulee Dam High School in 1967. Shirley belonged to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Nespelem and was a proud member of the Colville Confederated Tribes for whom she worked as a switchboard operator for over 30 years. She had a well-known passion for beading, with thousands of projects completed for family and friends across all of Native America. Shirley loved going to pow-wows and was always physically active; participating in many sports, working out, running, walking and dancing. She also enjoyed going to movies, shopping and "Yard Sale-ing," but Shirley's greatest joy was her family. When able, she never missed one of her children's or grandchildren's sporting events.

Shirley is predeceased by both of her parents; son, Brutis SiJohn; brothers: Joseph Wak Wak, Wally Wak Wak, Phillip Wak Wak and Johnny Wak Wak, and sisters: Nancy Wak Wak-Barron, and Penny Gregorio.

Her legacy lives on through her significant other, Larry Jordan; children: Brenda SiJohn, Eric Jordan (Jennine), Brent Jordan (Laketha) and Shoshannah Palmanteer (Uriah); adopted son, Spirit Peoples (Viola); grandchildren: Casey SiJohn, Breanna SiJohn, Brandon Jordan, Darian Lindsey, Letisia Llamas, Tyler Jordan, Elijah Palmanteer, Alonzo Adams, Aidan Palmanteer, Citlali Elias, Kayman Jordan, Milliana Palmanteer and Jayce Jordan; brothers: Isaac Wak Wak and Sam Wak Wak; sisters: Pearl Sammaripa (Loren), Eliza Palmer, Joan Sammaripa, Janet Nicholson, Marie Condon and Nina Wak Wak, as well as numerous nephews and nieces.

A dressing was held for Shirley Monday, May 23, 2016, at Noon at Strate Funeral Home of Grand Coulee, Washington. Her family rosary was held at 7 p.m., on Monday, May 23, 2016, at the Nespelem Community Center. Her community rosary was at 7 p.m., on Tuesday, May 24, 2016, at the Nespelem Community Center, with funeral services held at 10 a.m., on Wednesday May 25, 2016. Burial then took place following Shirley's funeral at the Nespelem Catholic Cemetery.

Her family requests that any memorial gifts in Shirley's memory be made to the Cancer Care Northwest Foundation, 1204 N. Vercler Rd., Spokane Valley, WA 99216, (509) 228-1019 foundation@ccnw.net.

Please sign Shirley's online register book at http://www.stratefuneralhome.com. Strate Funeral Home of Grand Coulee, is honored to be serving Shirley's family.