Gina Marie Kaio (Cooper, Burgess, Galliano)

May 8, 1976 – July 6, 2018

Gina Marie Kaio

A bright new star has been added to the heavens and it is with heavy hearts that we release our beloved Gina to the arms of angels. Gina Marie Kaio (also known by surnames Cooper, Burgess, and Galliano during her life) died in Everett, Washington on July 6, 2018 at the age of 42. She was born in Everett on May 8, 1976, along with her twin Grant Cooper, to parents Weldona Burgess and John Cooper.

She is survived by her mother, Weldona Burgess, and her siblings (listed with their spouses) Weldon Follis (Darlene); Ched Follis (Kate); Ty Follis, and Penni Raimondi. Her many nieces and nephews adored her and were inspired by her to pursue their dreams. Missing Aunt Gina are (listed with their children): Rickie Hewitt, Seth Follis, Maxx Follis-Goodkind (Sean), Ashleigh Sisneros (Hayden, Clarence, Ezra, Ophelia), Tyler Follis, Jade Allis, Giona Muniz (MJ, Bella, Ezme), Avery Lutthans, Israel Rivas (Raphael, Jazmine), Eilish Rivas.

Despite the challenges she faced throughout her life, Gina was a true red-headed

Gina by Candlelight

spitfire with an indomitable spirit. Her laughter and smile were contagious, and people were drawn to her flame. Raised by a single mother, Gina saw early success in beauty pageants where the talent of her lovely singing voice was show-cased. She continued to star on stage, playing Ariel in The Little Mermaid at Lynnwood High School, her ginger locks making her a natural. Gina even got married on the 4th of July so that she would have fireworks on her wedding day, just like Ariel. Her marriage was short, and there was no taming Gina. She tried business and running a restaurant, but the limelight called her, and she moved to New York to pursue her passion for acting, and even studied opera.

More recently, Gina returned to the Pacific Northwest to care for her mother and was pursuing a degree through Phoenix University. Gina touched the lives of many people, making lifelong friends with people from all walks of life. She had a way of making everyone feel special. She loved movies and theater, her mischievous chihuahuas (her fur-babies), and her family. Her loss is deeply felt, and we will miss Gina so much.

Before her passing, Gina shared this poem about life and death on Facebook with the note that “it always helps remind me who I am.” Remember Gina for the bright light that she was.

Invictus

By William Ernest Henley

Out of the night that covers me,

Black as the pit from pole to pole,

I thank whatever gods may be

For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance

I have not winced nor cried aloud.

Under the bludgeonings of chance

My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears

Looms but the Horror of the shade,

And yet the menace of the years

Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,

How charged with punishments the scroll,

I am the master of my fate,

I am the captain of my soul.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 28 at the home of Weldon and Darlene Follis. More details will be posted to Facebook.