Melissa Mae Taitano

Melissa Mae Taitano, 53, of Las Vegas, Nevada passed away on Wednesday, September 15th, 2021. Melissa Mae Taitano, better known as "Missy", was born on May 15th, 1968 in Tumuning, Guam USA to the late Jose Guerrero Taitano and Maria Quinata Taitano. Melissa grew up in Dededo, Guam and came to California at the young age of 8 and has resided ever since then between Northern California and Nevada. Since a very young age, Melissa was very ambitious. She was a Student Class President and went on to become Student Body President while attending De Anza High School and graduated in 1986. She then went on to attend San Francisco State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business. She had 3 children whom she loved dearly; Jazmyne Maria Taitano, Jacqueline Vidya Dutt, and Julius Taitano Dutt. From the very beginning, Melissa dedicated her life to her family and most especially her three children. She made the decision to pursue entrepreneurship and to do so on her own terms to ensure she was with her kids as much as possible. Melissa and her kids were extremely close. She heavily participated in their education and social lives. She would often show her appreciation through gifts and food-which she spoiled all her children's teachers and friends with. Missy was close to her many siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Although Missy was the youngest of 14 siblings, she was often thought of as the "older" younger sister as many siblings and family members would often turn to her for advice or assistance and she was the one to always be glad to help in whatever way she could. Missy was known for her welcoming personality, humorous witty jokes, and beautiful big bright smile (especially when you brought her sweets!). Melissa was a woman who had unwavering faith, big hopes and dreams for her family, and person who lead by example and by paying forward all good deeds in any way she could. Melissa was a humanitarian and worked on many projects throughout her life. One of many being InspireDANCE, a non-profit organization that was created through the inspiration of her son, Julius, who was born with an Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD). InspireDANCE is a project that Melissa was deeply passionate about. The non-profit is about helping those who suffer from social and economical disadvantages, domestic abuse, mental health issues, depression, anxiety, and helping those in need to get the care they rightfully deserve. InspireDANCE was created through Melissa's hard work and represents the unwavering love and support she had for her son. Melissa's strong and loving spirit impacted so many lives in such a positive way. Melissa had lit up the lives of nearly all who had encountered her, filling the souls that she met with immense love and always ensuring a positive impact through her words and good deeds. She leaves behind a remarkable legacy not only for herself and children, but for the next generation to carry on her spirit, filled with love, compassion and philanthropy. She is survived by her three children: Jazmyne M. Taitano, Jacqueline V. Dutt, and Julius Dutt She is survived by her siblings: Teresita M. Taitano, Lourdes T. Leon Guerrero, Helen R. Tyson, Lila C. Taitano, Joseph Q. Taitano, David J. Taitano, Esther D. Taitano, and Lina T. Sonico. Her nieces and nephews: Jordan E. Taitano ?, Jonathan T. Santos, Arnell C. Leon Guerrero, Joel N. Taitano, Robyn L. Leon Guerrero, Jade M. Taitano, Matthew J. Taitano ?, Dana M. Taitano, Heather J. Tyson, Jake R. Taitano, Samantha J. Taitano, Christopher J. Taitano, Montana S. Taitano, Marleena L. Sonico, Mylani F. Sonico She is also survived by many great-nieces and nephews: King Leon Guerrero, Christian T. Leon Guerrero, Joseph Arriola, Angelyse Taitano, Kepuha Leon Guerrero, Trinity Taitano, Kaylani Arriola, Joshiah Santos, Alejandra Taitano, Elijah Santos, Keola Leon Guerrero, Ayla Taitano, Addison Pascal, Maia Quitugua She is predeceased by her grandmother, Felicita Quinata Sablan, her four older sisters, Margarita Q. Taitano, Fermina Taitano, Anisia T. Santos, Natividad M. Taitano, Katherine R. Taitano. Most recently her one sister passed after her Norma J. Taitano. She is also predeceased by her brother-in-laws Avelino Santos and Arthur Leon-Guerrero.

Melissa Mae Taitano

May 15, 1968 - September 15, 2021