Tina's Story

    Tina was born on December 1st, 1969 to Robert and Herminia Nuese. She is the second eldest of five daughters. A native of San Diego, Tina gave her life to caring for others first as an EMT and Paramedic, and then as a Registered Nurse in the Emergency Department and Critical Care Transport. She supported herself every step of the way throughout her career, working full-time while completing both the paramedic program and nursing program. She would say it was one of the toughest parts of her life, but through hard work and resilience, she persevered in achieving her dreams. 

    All her life she chased her passion for flying and traveling the world. In 2021 she began her life-long goal of working as a Flight Nurse transporting patients across the country. And on December 27th, 2021, she left this world doing what she loved the most.

    Tina met Joe while working together at the Fire Department over 30 years ago, and knowing Tina, she never made his pursuit easy. They married in July 1995 and shortly after their family grew even larger with three beautiful daughters, Hannah, Lauryn, and Megan. Over the years, Tina dedicated so much love and kindness to raising her girls and being a Mama to many. Her legacy and compassion for others will continue to live on through her daughters who are following in their parent's footsteps and dedicating their lives to careers in nursing and medicine.

    Tina was a loving Wife, Mother, Sister, Auntie, Friend, Nurse, and Mentor to all who knew her. She gave of her time, talents, and gifts relentlessly to all. Her light and legacy will continue to shine through others through this scholarship and this provides us peace. Nothing will ever be able to replace the overwhelming amount of love and compassion that Tina exuded, especially her smile. We will love her every moment of every day and she will never be forgotten.