Patricia Neal Ohashi

Tricia was born to Dorothy Pendleton and Richard Neal on July 16, 1932. A determined and independent woman, she put herself through the University of Washington, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Home Economics in 1954. She also proudly served her country as a cryptographic officer in the U.S. Navy.

Tricia went on to become a beloved educator, teaching at Snohomish schools early in her career before dedicating many years to Audubon and Finch Elementary schools in Spokane. Her innovative teaching methods earned her the prestigious Washington State Christa McAuliffe Award for excellence in education.

An adventurer at heart, Tricia loved dancing, skiing, sailing, and traveling. She stayed remarkably active well into her 90s, continuing to downhill ski, kayak, ice skate, and dance. She was deeply involved in her community and remained active with the Spokane Buddhist Temple, P.E.O., Friendship Force, Tapping Grandmas, Parkwood Circle neighbors, and book clubs.

Tricia lived a life defined by generosity. She was constantly doing things for others—whether she was baking cookies for the temple, bringing flowers to friends, writing birthday cards, or making weekly sandwiches for those struggling with homelessness through Jewel’s Helping Hands.

She was preceded in death by the love of her life, Robert Ohashi, whom she loved for 70 years and was married to for 51.

She is survived by her children: Bill Campbell (and his fiancée Holly), Doug Campbell (and his fiancée Natalya), and Robyn Ohashi (and her husband Dave Berg). She is also survived by her brother, Ken; her sisters-in-law, Bev, Beth, Ruth, Irene, and Char; grandchildren (Colin, Shannon, Edie, Ian, Tristana, Jessalyn, Michelle, Miya, and Annika); five great-grandchildren; and many dear friends and relatives.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to Jewel’s Helping Hands or your local homeless or women’s shelter. Alternatively, you can honor Tricia’s legacy simply by performing an unexpected act of kindness for someone else. A celebration of life will take place at a future date.