Sayaphet "Saya" Phimphila/Phimphophani

With great sorrow and gratitude, the Phimphilas/Phimphophanis, Ropers, and friends announce the passing of their kind, caring, and passionate daughter/sister/friend/mom Sayaphet (Saya) Phimphila/Phimphophani on March 2, 2023 in Seattle, Washington at the age of 43.

Saya was born on February 19, 1980 to Phong & Anna Phimphila/Phimphophani in a Thailand refugee camp. She grew up in Seattle and attended Sanislo Elementary, Mercer Middle School and Franklin High School. In 2001 she moved to Anchorage, Alaska where she gave birth to her son, Justin Roper II. After a year she came back to Seattle to raise little Justin and to be closer to her family and friends.

She loved to travel and loved the outdoors. In 2012, she travelled through Spain. Beginning in Madrid she experienced the art of flamenco dancing. Her next stop was Pamplona where she attended the San Fermin festival to watch the running of the bulls and bullfighting. She meandered through the streets of Barcelona to take in all of Antoni Guadi’s work. Saya walked through the Alhambra palace in Granada, feasted on the best paella in Valencia, and visited the churches of Seville. When she wasn’t travelling out of the country you could find her in the summer, camping with family and friends.

Her friends say her smile lit up the room. We knew it was her from her distinct and infectious laugh. We all remember the fresh laundry scent she carried with her – laundry (and the 49ers) was serious business to Saya. A party ain’t a party until Saya came through.

Saya is survived by her son, Justin Roper II, Father Phong, Mother Anna, and brother Sayaphon.