Tina Marie Villanueva Blessing
July 12, 1974 - November 5, 2016
Tina passed away on November 5, 2016 due to a brief, but courageous, battle with ovarian cancer.
Born on July 12, 1974 in Sacramento, CA, she is the daughter of Antonio “Tino” and Diane Villanueva, sister to David Villanueva (Natalie), Auntie Tina to Michael and Mariah and loved by the entire Blessing family. She graduated from McClatchy High School (1992) and California State University, Sacramento (1996) where she earned a BA in Humanities/Religious Studies – Psychology.
In 1995, Tina met the love of her life, Michael Blessing. They married in 1999 and together created a beautiful family of three sons, Drew (15), Luke (8), and Beckett (6). The boys are Tina and Michael’s greatest accomplishments and sources of joy.
Tina’s most rewarding time was spent devoting herself to her three boys and being a loving wife and friend. Tina was the mother who always volunteered at her sons’ schools, the spur-of-the-moment adventure companion, the friend who always had time to listen, the “Mom” who all children loved and adored. Famous for her style, Tina’s smile was her signature accessory. Like the sunflowers she loved, she was a burst of sunshine, welcoming all with her infectious smile, friendly nature and contagious laugh. Tina’s gift of sharing love and compassion was limitless. In keeping with her love of people, Tina proudly represented Nerium International and Palm Coast Travel.
Tina cherished annual family trips to Lake Tahoe, wine tastings, and Christmas tamale-making parties. Tina enjoyed celebrations, concerts, and cruiser pub-crawls. As an avid SF Giants fan, Tina honed her cheerleading skills although her loudest whoops and hollers cheered on her boys and other loved ones at soccer, baseball, and rugby games. Tina’s girlfriends brought sisterhood, strength, and spice to her life; their support, especially over the last few months, was a priceless gift.
“Love is everywhere. See the love in all things and all people. Life will be much happier and rewarding,” a challenge for us all to live by posted on Facebook by Tina. She will be greatly missed by all.
Her loving grandparents, Lyle and Ellie Van Airsdale and Antonio and Maria Villanueva preceded Tina in death.
Published in the Sacramento Bee November 20, 2016
