Shila Baksi

Sept. 19, 1944 — Aug. 5, 2024

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Our family is saddened to announce that Shila Baksi, 79, of Pullman, passed away peacefully at Pullman Regional Hospital Monday, Aug. 5, 2024. Shila was born on Sept. 19, 1944, to Jamini Mandal and Sneha Biswas in Sahebnagar, India. She also was raised there, and by 1966, she had earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Sanskrit.

Shila began her teaching career in India, and there in August of 1971, she married Samarendra Nath Baksi. Together, they embarked on a journey that brought them to the United States. Shila’s pursuit of knowledge continued after the birth of their first son, Neal Samudra, as she earned a second master’s degree from Texas Tech University.

In 1984, the family, now including their second son Subir, relocated to Pullman. Shila, ever the academic, proceeded to earn a Ph.D. in Anthropology (Linguistics) from Washington State University (WSU) while raising her family.

In 1993, Shila’s commitment to education culminated in a career as a faculty member with the Department of Anthropology at WSU, where over the next 27 years, she connected with many dozens of students through her passion for language and culture.

Known for her sharp wit and warm sense of humor, Shila brought joy and light to those around her. Whether in the classroom, in various appointments, during physical wellness sessions or among friends, her ability to find humor in life’s moments made her a beloved figure. After the passing of her husband in 2006, Shila continued to find strength in her family and community.

In her later years, Shila especially took immense pride and joy in her grandson, Alex, who also adored her. Her legacy of love, learning, liveliness and laughter will be cherished by those who knew her.

Shila is survived by her loving family, including two sons, Neal Samudra Baksi, of Pullman, and Subir Baksi and his wife Beth, of Campbell, Calif.; her grandson, Alexander; as well as a large extended family, both in the United States and overseas. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.

A memorial celebration of Shila’s life will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 14, at Kimball/Corbeill Funeral Home, 905 S. Grand Ave., Pullman. Online condolences may be sent to corbeillfuneralhomes.com.