Phyllis E. Tomasko

MIDDLETON / OSHKOSH Phyllis E (Wright) Tomasko, age 88 died on February 27, 2015 at Agrace Hospice in Madison surrounded by her family. Phyllis was born to Floyd and Marie (Geiger) Wright in Oshkosh, WI on February, 16, 1927. She married Bob Tomasko on May 22, 1948 in Oshkosh. Phyllis is survived by two sons, Thomas of Oakland, CA and Steven (Jeanie) of Middleton; one daughter, Patricia (Ken) of New Castle, CO., and 4 step-grandchildren, Katie, Patrick, Lizzi, and Chris of Middleton. She is survived by one brother, Walter, of Oshkosh and one foster daughter, Karen Gaines, of Chicago, Ill. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews including Kathy (Gary) Nordhaus, Janet Bubbles (Greg) Putzer, Peggy Rand and Jackie (Bob) Kossel all of Oshkosh. Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bob; her sister, Joan Bea Rand; and one brother, Jack Wright. Phyllis wrote in her own obituary, She was here and now she is not But between here and not there was a lot. She wished for a better world and she acted on it. Phyllis was a proud member of the War Resistors League. Once, her whole family joined a picket line to support farmworkers by boycotting grapes. She attended peace marches against the Vietnam War. In 1983 she went to Washington, D.C. to attend the 20th Anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington led by Martin Luther King, Jr. She defended the Oshkosh 94. Her favorite job was working at the Kaleidoscope Bookstore in the early 70s, which featured books about the womens movement and other social justice issues. She often sported a button or a sweatshirt for a cause. In her later years she became a painter. Her works included canvas and numerous T-shirt and sweat-shirt designs for many of her relatives. Phyllis had a sharp wit, always accompanied with a smile. Up to the very end she delighted family, friends and acquaintances with her kindness and humor. According to her wishes she will be cremated and there will be no visitation. Her family will hold a Life Celebration for her in Oshkosh sometime in late spring / early summer. A memorial palm tree has been planted in her name in Lake Havasu City, AZ where she and her husband spent some happy years. The family wishes to thank the staff at The Jefferson in Middleton and the nurses, aides and therapists with Recover Health and Genesis Rehab Services for the very kind help and care they provided to their mother. They also wish to thank the people of Agrace Hospice for the compassionate care they gave Phyllis in her last months and days. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Phyllis name can be made to Agrace HospiceCare, 5395 E. Cheryl Pkwy., Madison, WI 53711 or a charity of your choice. All Faiths Funeral & Cremation Services Madison (608)442-0477 www.866allfaiths.com