Obituary of Christine Tina Perry

Christine Tina Perry  

On June 12, 2019, Christine Tina Perry peacefully passed away in her sleep; she was 77 years old.   She had been in the hospital for several months   and fought bravely.  Tina was born in Rochester, New York to Joseph R. Melazzo and Delores Rose Melazzo (Constantino). 

Tina was an amazing, strong, intelligent and dedicated mother who raised four children as a single parent.  She worked full time in the legal field and adoptions and still managed to go to graduate from college. Tina did all of this while somehow still making sure that all of us kids were fed, clothed and well taken care of.  This was not an easy task but it is one that she did well and without complaint. She also helped to raise many of her precious grandchildren.  Tina showed us that with hard work and determination anything is possible and most of all to never give up on our dreams.

In retirement, Tina decided to dedicate her time and energy to fostering dogs with the Humane Society of Tucson. This was something she really enjoyed and was very passionate about. Through hard work, dedication and a little help from her grandchildren, Tina was able to successfully foster more than 200 puppies and dogs.  This was one of the things that she was most proud of in her life (other than her children and grandchildren).   It was her personal mission to do whatever needed to save as many animals as she could.  Along the way she made many great memories, and more than a few good friends.  Tina’s goal was to make it home to her seven rescue puppies (Lenny, Teeny, Foxy, Casey, Annie, Marcy, and Nikki). She asked about them constantly and they remained her driving force to get well. It was wonderful when she got to visit with several of them while still recovering. 

The world lost a beautiful and caring mother and grandmother.  We are sad that Tina is no longer with us but thankful for the time we had with her.   We take great comfort in knowing that she is no longer in pain but in heaven enjoying the love of her family and her angel puppies.   

Survived by Sister Josette (Lawrence) Koch, four children: Lynn (Paul) Van Erven, Gail (Steve) Perry, Dee (Jack) Roberts, Jay (Colleen) Perry and eight grandchildren: Katherine (Emma) Van Erven, Amanda Van Erven, Eric Perry, Perry Tina Melazzo, Andrea (Richard) Galliher, Elizabeth Perry, Jennifer (Steve) Reed, Tabitha Rose Roberts and her niece Kristen (Jason) Kanerva Richards and nephew Mark Koch and great nieces Kavela and Satori Richards.  We will have a celebration of life ceremony on July 13^th at 9am at Holy Hope Cemetery.  Interment will be a private service for family only.  The family requests that in lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to the Tucson Humane Society in memory of Tina Perry.