Born Carolina Virginia Rasmussen on October 23, 1923 to Minnie Belle Gregory and Peter Rasmus Rasmussen in Riverton, WA, Nina passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on February 6, 2017. Nina graduated from Foster H.S. and on December 6, 1941 she married James A. Quealey, Jr. They settled at 14905 18th SW in Seahurst and raised their three children Doreene, Dianne and Steve. Nina is survived by her three children, 7 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and a large and diverse golden circle of extended family and friends. Nina was a firm believer in being straight and fair with folks, standing up for yourself and others, cheerful service, common sense, honor and always doing your best.

Nina was a lifetime accomplished athlete and avid sports enthusiast. She played tennis at Foster, and loved roller skating and square dancing with Jim and friends. She dearly loved her Huskies and Seahawks. Nina hauled many a carload of Burien kids to the lake for the hydros every summer. Nina and Jim enjoyed watching school and youth league baseball and football games whether at Mosier Field or other schools, parks and fields. She was always the “cool mom.” She and Jim especially enjoyed camping and fishing with family and friends, bowling leagues and their epic “Round Robin” pinochle parties. Nina loved and enjoyed all types of music, making ceramics and extensive travel. She was active in the Girl Scouts as a youth and adult leader. Nina coached bowling and cooked at Olympic Bowl restaurant in the 1950-60’s and later the Rainier Golf and CC. Nina and Jim moved to Bonney Lake in 1968. When Jim passed away on September 12, 1971 Nina moved back to Riverton, and eventually settled at The Franciscan in Seahurst in 1990. Nina lived comfortably at “Granny’s Pad” with her daughter Doreene in Corvallis the last four years. Nina was a skilled and prolific seamstress. She made clothes, hand-quilted dozens of beautiful quilts and lovingly crocheted and donated a good supply of afghans each fall to Ronald McDonald House. She contributed her Raggedy Ann & Andy dolls and Teddy Bears to several police and fire departments as comfort aids for children in distress. Nina blessed many with her ready smile, quick wit and helping hands. Her laughter was a song of pure joy. She was always a force of nature. Our dearest Nina will be missed often and never forgotten. At her request there will be no public service. She wished that any memorial gifts and other contributions please be given to your charity of choice. Peace Be With You

Published in the Highline Times section of the Westside Weekly, February 24, 2017.