Dwanda Marie Trask

Dwanda Marie Trask, age 64, of New Orleans, Louisiana, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on August 10, 2025. She lived a remarkable life and was well known for being a devout Christian, beloved mother of two, and dedicated registered nurse. Dwanda was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on June 20, 1961 to Elizabeth Trask and Eli Washington. She spent her early years as a devoted learner. A member of the Class of 1979, Dwanda was a proud graduate of McDonogh 35 Senior High School, where she excelled at playing the clarinet and bassoon in the Marching Band. She pursued higher education at the University of New Orleans before completing her education in registered nursing at Charity School of Nursing in 1985. Over the course of her forty-year career in Labor and Delivery, she supported countless families across the country. Her professional excellence was distinguished by her attention-to-detail and willingness to go above and beyond for her patients. Dwanda was a selfless and nurturing mother to Ashton and Aysha, her pride and joy. She instilled in them the values of family, education, and strong work ethic. A lover of music, shopping, and travel, Dwanda was affectionately known for her fun-spirited personality and sense of adventure. Her desire to share positivity and joy with others was evident by her passion for celebrating birthdays, holidays, and achievements. Dwanda was a faithful Christian who cherished her Bible and the teachings of Jesus Christ. She was a member at Franklin Avenue Baptist Church and remained steadfast in her prayers, which brought her comfort and peace. As she put it, Dwanda saw herself as “a soldier marching in the army of God” and one who “fought a good fight until the end.” Her Christian values informed every aspect of her life and strengthened her during every season. Dwanda leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and compassion. She is survived by her son, Ashton Wright; her daughter, Aysha Gibson; her mother, Elizabeth Trask Leslie; her sisters, Khadija (Corey) Trask-Wallace and Dr. Dione Washington; her brothers, Byron (Drina) Trask, and Gregg Washington; her nephew, Terrance Leonard; and a host of other relatives and friends who will never forget the love she brought to their lives. Dwanda was preceded in death by her father, Eli Washington; her sister, Jennifer Trask-Leonard; and her brothers, Maurice Washington, Larry Bassett, and Audrey Barrett. Though her earthly light has dimmed, the bright glow of her love, faith, and example will continue to shine in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend her Celebration of Life Service at Franklin Avenue Baptist Church, 8282 I-10 Service Road South, New Orleans, LA 70126 on Thursday, August 21, 2025 at 10:00 AM. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM. Internment: Mount Olivet Cemetery, New Orleans, LA. Arrangements have been entrusted to D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home located at 3933 Washington Ave., New Orleans, LA 70125. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the online guestbook, share memories and condolences with the family.