Tina “TT” M. Feeley passed away on Aug. 29, 2026, following a courageous 10-month battle with leukemia. She was 74 years old.

Tina was born in Brooklyn, New York, on April 16, 1952 to Fred and Jean Rochlin. She was the only girl in a family with three brothers Melvin, Clifford and Paul.

In 1958, the family moved to California and settled in the Covina area, where Tina attended school and graduated from Charter Oak High School in 1970.

That same year, Tina was accepted to the university of California. While living in an off-campus dormitory, she met John Feeley. They became friends, fell in love, and were married in June 1972.

Tina earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology in 1974, and received her teaching credential in 1975.

In 1975, Tina and John moved to Visalia, California, where Tina began her teaching career and where their first child Kelley Renae was born.

In 1979, they returned to Goleta so John could pursue his engineering career, and in October 1980 their second daughter Katey Nicole was born.

Always ready for an adventure, Tina packed up the family’s Goleta home in June 1984 and moved the family to London, Ontario, Canada. She was six months pregnant with their third child Kevin Casey (KC), who was born in August of that year.

Tina quickly made friends with many Canadians, and maintained those friendships for decades, staying in touch with many of them until her passing.

The family returned to Goleta in 1986 after two Canadian winters, and Tina resumed her teaching career in Carpinteria as a resource specialist. Her career as an educator spanned more than 30 years.

She taught elementary school students in Visalia, Carpinteria, Santa Barbara, and, ultimately, the Goleta Union School District, where she spent more than 20 years before retiring in 2011.

Tina dedicated nearly her entire adult life to education. She cared deeply about her students and took great pride in helping children learn, grow and succeed.

Tina also had a zest for life and an enthusiasm for trying new things. She was an avid runner and participated in numerous local 5K and 10K races.

She began each New Year by running a New Year’s Resolution 5K, a tradition she enjoyed for many years.

She loved to travel and enjoyed many overseas adventures.

Tina had a deep appreciation for music and ballroom dancing, and was always willing to try something new. Even into her 70s, Tina continued to challenge herself, taking up boxing and embracing yet another new adventure.

Perhaps one of the greatest joys of Tina’s life was becoming a grandmother. Affectionately known as “TT,” she treasured her five grandchildren Oscar, Dysten, Eve, Dennen and Daelen, and they held a very special place in her heart.

Tina is survived by her husband of 54 years, John R. Feeley; children Kelley Feeley, Katey Spach, and Kevin Casey (KC) Feeley; son-in-law Stephen Spach; nephew, Kyle Rochlin; brother and sister-in-law Clifford and Giannina Rochlin; and her two beloved dogs Pepper and Mini.

Tina had a remarkable ability to bring smiles and joy to the people around her. She made everyone feel welcome in her presence, and her warmth, energy, and zest for life touched countless people.

She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, former students, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Tina lived her life with love, curiosity, adventure, and an open heart. Her memory will live on in the many lives she touched and, most especially, in the family she loved so dearly.

Tina’s Celebration of Life will take place 1-4 p.m. Sat. Oct. 24 at Live Oak Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 820 N. Fairview Ave., Goleta.