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Nina Suzanne Rapisarda passed away after a brief illness on 1/1/2015 at the age of 58 surrounded by her family. Nina was born and raised in Evanston, IL but moved to Yakima in 1986 after receiving her Masters degree in social work from Syracuse University. She is survived by her husband Steven Van Tassel, her daughter Sophie Van Tassel and her son Joseph Van Tassel, as well as her siblings Paul Rapisarda (Wendy), John Rapisarda (Julie), Luisa Rapisarda (Terry), along with 14 nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Alice L. Rapisarda in 2010 and John G. Rapisarda in 2001. She was highly regarded in her field and spent her career working with children and families in the foster care system and with individuals who were in need of mental health services. Nina had a great love for her family, her friends and her many animals. She loved to sit in the pasture taking care of and playing with her miniature donkey, her horse and her dogs. Nina had a beautiful voice and was a member of the Yakima Symphony Chorus from 1990-1995 and she was an active member of Temple Shalom in Yakima. She was an extraordinarily caring, kind, compassionate and loving individual with a great sense of humor who would laugh easily. Nina's warm smile and presence in our lives will be forever missed. A memorial service will be held in the Spring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Nina's memory to the Michael J. Fox Foundation, cancer research or any organization that supports animal rights and welfare.
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/chicagotribune/obituary.aspx?n=nina-rapisarda&pid=173711966
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Mark Nichol
I was quite saddened to read this. I really liked Nina, she and I were several classes together and I remember she was always just a super nice person with a quick smile. I remember being impressed at how sharp and talented she was. What a terrible loss.
Carol Wolff
Nina was the first friend I made when I moved to Evanston in the 7th grade. She lived down the block from me and was kind enough to accompany me to my first day at Haven. We had a lot of adventures together, including going to overnight camp at Camp Hilltop in Wisconsin. Nina had a big heart and a big smile, and I miss her. We kept in touch after high school, and I was fortunate to see her not long before she became ill. It is heartbreaking that Nina and so many of our classmates have died so young.