Tina Anima — sister, daughter, friend and teacher — passed away August 1, 2015 after a long battle with cancer. She was 45.
A beloved sixth-grade teacher at Seattle’s McClure Middle School, she was genuinely kind and upbeat, young at heart, honorable and quick to forgive, enraptured with life and with people — especially her nieces, who brought her much joy.
She graduated from UCLA and initially worked as a journalist, writing for the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat, the Seattle Times and the Modesto (Calif.) Bee. While covering education for the Press-Democrat, she realized she’d rather work with students, not just report about them. She married in 1996, moved to Seattle and earned her master’s in education from the University of Washington, fighting through her initial diagnosis of breast cancer in 1997.
She joined the staff at McClure Middle School as a language arts and social studies instructor soon after, employing a mix of tough love, empathy and sheer enthusiasm. She saw the best in her students, building a culture of trust and safety in her classroom and feeling the joys of their successes and the pains of their struggles.
Rap was among her favorite teaching devices; years later, former students told her how they still recalled the names and roles of Greek gods because of the “Olympic Rap” she’d written. She loved music and especially loved to dance, from lindy-hop lessons to the choreographed bits she did with fellow teachers at McClure assemblies.
When her cancer recurred in early 2014, she rallied her tribe’s support with her positive attitude and ongoing concern for others. She continued to do what brought her joy – dancing at a Marymoor Park concert in July; hosting book club meetings; gathering with and traveling with old friends; striving to maintain the independence she treasured. She lived every day to the fullest, grateful for the life she had and surrounded by the love she gave to all.
She is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Debbie and Bob Duncan of Vacaville, Calif., nieces Devon and Paden; her mother, Betty; and her ex-husband, Marc Ramirez of Dallas.