Ernestina “Tina" Maria Been, 37, of Land O Lakes, Fl lost her three year heroic battle with cancer on March 29, 2022. She leaves a huge hole in the hearts of her family and friends who were blessed enough to have known her.  

Tina was a dedicated mother first and foremost. She treasured the time she spent with Jonny, embraced every moment with him, and embodied the ideal balance of strong leadership and friendship as a mother. Socially fluent with an innate moral sensibility Tina listened well, lifted others up effortlessly, gave generously, and left every room brighter than when she entered. Her creative skills knew no limits from homemade Halloween costumes, to the perfect deep dish pizzas, baked goods for her loved ones, and colorful chore charts for Jonny. Her love of the classics was met with her progressive open mind. Her big laugh was infectious and her charm came easy as did her warmth and patience. 

Tina was born on January 26, 1985, to Isaac Barreto and Kathleen Barreto (Cipolla) in the city of Chicago.  She attended Triton College in River Grove, IL where she nurtured her passion for floral design and never looked back. She wore a multitude of hats in the floral and event industry and shared her talents with companies throughout Chicagoland and Charlotte, NC. Tina received the designation of Certified Floral Designer with the American Institute of Floral Designers and further developed her community globally. The medley of her calm compassion, unwavering positive energy, and curious creativity was seen not only professionally but in her many treasured friendships she established along her journey. To know her was to love her.

Left to cherish her memory are husband, Aaron, her son Jonathan “Jonny” of whom she loved deeply; her parents Isaac and Kathleen Barreto (Cipolla), sisters Laura (David) Baran and Stephanie (David) Boogaard; nieces Jubilee, Naomi, and Janelle; nephew Bret; many extended family members; and a large friend group and community in Chicago, the Carolinas, and Florida.

The immediate family is having a small private service with plans for a Celebration of Life to be held the first week of June in Chicagoland, more details forthcoming.

If you wish to make a donation in honor of Tina, please consider donating to the Sarcoma Foundation of America. 

"She sprouted love like flowers, grew a garden in her mind, and even on the darkest days, from her smile the sun still shined.” -Erin Hanson