Tina Nepote

Tina Nepote, 54, of Belfair, Washington, passed away on November 16th, 2022 at St. Michaels Hospital in Silverdale, Washington. She is survived by her husband of 29 years, John Nepote, her two children, Ashleigh Cleveland and Branden Nepote, her granddaughter Moira Cleveland, her mother, Darla Baird, sister, Heidi Turner and a large extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins, and beloved friends.

She was born at UW Hospital May 11, 1968 and right from the very start, she let the world know she was extra-ordinary. Rather than enter the world in the usual way, Tina decided to come out bottom-first, and on Mother's Day, no less. As a toddler, she demonstrated her adventuresome and curious nature and discovered that washing her hair with Crisco would cause her mother to use her full name. She also briefly experimented with talcum powder streaking, but again, it did not have the effect she intended. Thankfully, she grew out of this phase and moved onward to different methods of creative expression.

Tina had a love of music from a very young age and had the opportunity to express herself musically in Junior High and High School. By the time she graduated, she had played clarinet, tenor saxophone, piano, flute, oboe, and banjo. She played in both the concert/marching band in high school as well as the Jazz band. She also sang in the choir and jazz choir, and never lost her love of music; in one form or another, it was always a part of her life. Tina passed her love of music and reading and movies on to her children, because it was the right thing to do. She was fiercely proud of both her children and their accomplishments and did her best to support their dreams. She loved being "Nana" to her granddaughter, Moira, and being an auntie to her nephews and cousins.

Tina liked to play poker with her husband and friends and enjoyed traveling to Vegas and playing in tournaments. She also loved to read, sing, and dance, especially with her husband. When she wasn't doing these things, she was happy being comfy and cozy at home, watching tv or movies. Her favorite movies, she could quote sideways and slantways and longways and backways and squareways and fronts ways and any other ways you can think of.

She was fiery, stubborn, intelligent, warm, with a wicked sense of humor and a sharp wit to match. She was a family member to many who were not actually related to her, because once she decided you were family, that was it - you were family, with all the rights and privileges therein.

She liked to cook up a storm and loved to feed the family for the holidays; Thanksgiving and Christmas at the Nepote household was a feast. Her stuffing was the stuff of legends, her tuna casserole was a family favorite, and her Italian meatballs were a glorious expression of culinary delight.

Tina leaves behind a legacy of love, for her family, her friends, and the service she gave to our country. She found her career calling as Protocol Officer for Navy Region Northwest. She worked at the Region for well over a decade and was really in her element during the many Fleet Weeks she facilitated for Portland and Seattle, covering many years and many more Flag Officer and Distinguished Visitor events. Tina's resilience and positive spirit are a legacy she left behind that will carry on for years to come.

Tina was many things to many people, and the impact she had on those who knew her is hard to measure. The world is much emptier without her bright presence to fill it.

A memorial service will be held at The Stone Chapel Poulsbo Mortuary 22272 Foss Rd NE Poulsbo, WA on Friday, December 2nd at 2:00pm.