Tessa Kleppe

Our beloved Tessa Faye Kleppe, 40, of Silverdale, Washington, entered the arms of her Heavenly Father, on July 25, 2025. She joins her cherished grandparents, Grammie (MaryLou Tate), Papa (Steve Tate), Mutti (Eliane Cox), Grandy (Sivia Kleppe) and beloved stepsister, Emelie Durfee.

Tess was known for her big heart, generous spirit and beautiful smile. She had the most gracious ability to hand out compliments to strangers and friends, like it was her mission in life to brighten your day.
As a child, she played soccer, baseball and basketball and sang in the school choir, as well as in church. She loved the water from a very young age; she swam effortlessly and enjoyed many adventures on her Papa's tugboats, with her cousins. The tugboat races were a favorite.
She enjoyed family camping trips with friends and family and loved everything in nature; every tree, piece of moss, pretty rock, shell and driftwood, was brought home and saved. This hobby stayed with her into adulthood, as well as her fondness for all things Disney. She was a collector of antiques, jewelry, crystals, perfume, and pretty things. She very much enjoyed decorating and displaying her treasures, with her whimsical touch.
Tess was a devoted animal lover, cherished by her rescue dog Tiki, rescue cat Mister, and bunny Foufer. We admired how much she cared for all creatures, big and small. Her compassion extended far beyond her furry family, touching the lives of everyone she met.

She was a Child of God, beloved by her family and friends, who understood her struggles with mental illness and addiction.
We honor her bravery and celebrate eleven months of sobriety, a true testament to her courage and strength.
Forever proud...

Tessa's memory will be cherished through her son Anthony, who was adopted by her cousin Marianna (Denver) Smyth and their girls, Becky (Tyler) Riley, Reagan and Remy.
Her mother, Sue Tate Cox, and bonus dad, Dave Cox and brother and sister-in-law, Connor and Clara Cox.
Her father, Alan Kleppe, and bonus mom, Jean Hey, and brother and sister-in-law, Ryan and Erika Kleppe, and stepbrothers, Christopher and Michael Durfee.
Her aunties, Stephanie Kline (Brian) Sharyl Tate, Michelle Hart, Sharon Kleppe (Auntie Bear) Grgic' (Dan), Bobbi Leahy, and Jackie Williams (Clarence).
Her uncles, Steve Tate (Nanette) Glen Cox, Wayne Kleppe (Sandi) Kurt Kleppe (Wendy) Jack Kleppe, Bud Hey, Ken Hey and Jim Hey (Michele).
She was blessed to have 22 cousins, who she adored.

Services will be private.

Memorial donations can be made to:
Rescue Every Dog
P.O. Box 1741
Kingston, WA 98346 or
www.rescueeverydog.org