Obituary of Nola Jean Kissell

Nola Jean Taitano Kissell, 76, of Fort Worth, was welcomed home by her Heavenly Father on Saturday, December 14, 2024. Born on April 15, 1948, in Guam, she was the daughter of the late Mariano Guerrero Taitano and Rosaline Flores (Cruz) Taitano.

Nola spent much of her early life on the island of Guam, where she met her husband, Mark. They were married on January 20, 1967, and together they had two sons. The couple moved frequently before settling in the Dallas-Fort Worth area in the 1980s. Nola supported Mark in running his tax firm, and after his passing, she became deeply involved with her church and the Ryan YMCA, where she was honored as Volunteer of the Year. She had a deep love of music, enjoyed singing, and found joy in playing the dulcimer, as well as activities like playing ping pong and going for walks.

In 2020, Nola was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Despite the challenges of her diagnosis, she continued to pursue the activities she loved and made it her mission to encourage others. Even as Alzheimer’s progressed, especially in the past year, she consistently reminded those around her that they were special and that Jesus loved them.

Nola is survived by her sons, Steven Kissell (wife Melissa) and R. Kerry Kissell of Texas; her grandchildren, Grant Kissell and Sarina Kissell of Texas; her sisters, Ivy Poe (husband Wendell) and Candy Dodson (husband Don) of Oregon, and Cheryl Jahier of Hawaii; her sister-in-law, Mary Taitano of Florida; numerous nieces, nephews, and her dear friend, Vicky Pool of Arkansas.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Mark Kissell; her parents, Mariano and Rosaline Taitano; her sister, Pearl Taitano; her brother, Mariano Taitano; her niece, Rosalynn Taitano; and her brother-in-law, Robert Jahier.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Oak Ridge Alzheimer’s Special Care Center for the exceptional care and compassion they provided to Nola.

Her family will hold a private memorial in Guam.