Tina Marie Chupa

Tina was born June 5, 1965, to Corliss M. Harvey(Forster) and Harold W. Harvey at TriCounty Hospital in Gowanda, N.Y.

Tina was raised in Cattaraugus and graduated from Cattaraugus Central in 1984.

Tina leaves behind her beloved husband of 34 years, Thomas J. Chupa. She also leaves behind her cherished children: Nicho-las W. Chupa of Dayton, and Nathan T. Chupa (Erica Lecceardone) of Dayton; and her niece, Bethany Matt) Chupa of Buffalo, whom Tina and Tommy raised from the age of six. Tina is survived by her only sister, Crystal (Jerry) Henderson of South Dayton. Tina is also survived by her father, Harold W. Harvey. Along with many nieces and nephews. Tina also leaves behind so many dear and close friends.

Tina began her near 20-year career at Cattaraugus Little Valley Central School District in Cattaraugus after being a stay at home mom until her youngest son was six years old. Tina loved driving buses and she loved the children she drove as well as her coworkers. She was also the past tax collector for the town of Dayton for 15 years.

Rainbow Lake was one of her favorite places to be. Tina loved camping. Tina enjoyed arts and crafts and her house looked like it came straight out of a magazine. In addition, Tina loved helping others decorate their houses.

Tina’s most favorite thing to do was to spend time with her family and friends playing games and one of her favorite games was cards. Tina had a party room built just for the purpose of entertaining, and that room is done in true Tina style. Tina also bought a party bus so that she could gather up her family and friends and go out for an evening of fun.

Tina would aim for the highest standard in whatever she set out to do. Her heart to rescue animals was no exception. She has rescued horses, dogs and cats just to name a few. She made sure they were taken to the vet, medicated when needed and many times she would buy special food to meet their dietary needs.

Tina had a heart for the Dayton Food Pantry, and she served there frequently. Tina loved helping others. Tina attended The Master’s Plan Community Church in Dayton.

Calling hours will be held at Mentley Funeral home in Gowanda on Sunday Sept. 26, from 2-5 p.m., with a service to follow at 5 p.m