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Antoinette Rafli Tighe
1947 - 2016
Antoinette Rafli Tighe
1947 - 2016
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1947
DIED
2016
Antoinette Tighe Obituary
Antoinette never met a stranger and she lived life as large as possible, her kindness radiated like the sun and her voice was as powerful as lightening. She touched the lives of the young and old, rich and poor. She loved everyone and everyone loved her.
Antoinette came to America by way of Austin, Texas from El Mina Tripoli, Lebanon at age 16. She married and moved to Washington where she lived, and raised her family and became known for her impeccable sense of style and knowledge of fashion, décor and liquor. For a person who never drank, her ability to pair fine wine with foods was uncanny. She was a personal stylist and shopper before they became popular and recognized professions.
Her love for family and friends was infinite. While many people have friendships for life, Antoinette's friends were her family-for life. And her friends were in awe of her love and generosity. She was generous beyond imagination of her time, talents and above all, her love. She was Auntie to many, Tita to some, Momma to others….it never mattered what you called her, you were family. Her friendship was loyal, unwavering and real. Her voice was soothing and calm, but when necessary, she could also bring you back to reality with that familiar voice of broken English, mixed with Arabic and shaded with words of veracity in both languages.
Antoinette is survived by her daughters, Cathy Rottle; Adele Rottle-Williams; and her son, Joseph Tighe; three grandchildren, Johnny, Clyde and Jack Tighe; sisters, Elaine Jabour and Josephine Bacha and brother, Gabe Diab.
A memorial service and reception will be held on Saturday, October 1, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 11801 SE Mt. Scott Blvd., Portland, OR. Flowers may be sent to the funeral home for the memorial celebration, or Memorials in memory of Antoinette can be made to: Lupus Foundation of America, 2121 K Street NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20037, or the Alzheimer's Association of Portland, 1650 NW Naito Parkway, Suite 190, Portland, OR 97209, or the charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Juanita Gillham
October 10, 2016
Antoinette became a friend when I was a teenager. We loved to spend the night and help with Dee Dee and Cathy. Babysitting or cleaning. She was always so much fun. In fact my first car was a renault. I was spending the night when Antoinette woke me up asking where my car went. Needless to say someone stold it. Dee Dee and Cathy became a very important part of my family life along with there mother. Antoinette referred to my parents as Dad and mom. I could tell stories for hours on all the things that evolved around us. I love you all and may God bless you!
Sofia Kenny
October 4, 2016
Antoinette you fought a good battle, you are resting peacefully now . May your memory be eternal. Much love to you Cathy and Marge. Much love Tim and Sofia
Father Biewend
October 1, 2016
Your Mom was a true delight. She always made me feel special and in need of a good wine! In her presence, I was truly in the presence of God. Fr Mike
John Casseb
September 30, 2016
My deepest sympathy to Antoinette's family and close friends for their loss. I was blessed in this life journey to be accompanied by Antoinette for many years while she lived in Austin. She taught me lessons that could not be found in textbooks, she offered friendship without reservation and added a rainbow of color and character to my journey. The steady generosity, the constant smile, the beauty of her presence, the sincere laughter and even the lively language are all hallmarks of her life that will stay with me forever. I know her life lives on in the many, many people she touched and loved as they remember her and continue her values and wisdom.
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Judith Hansen
September 26, 2016
Antionette was a very unique person. A beautiful smile, loving nature and a friend I feel so blessed to have loved for nearly fifty years. I miss her so much but her memory and light will shine in my heart forever. She truly blessed me as well as many others. Thank you Antoinette.
Jeri Kelley
September 26, 2016
We were blessed to meet Antoinette while on vacation in Hawaii. We loved her infectious laugh and the sparkle in her eyes which absolutely danced with mischief! Antoinette made us feel like family from the moment we met, a beautiful trait she passed down to both of her daughters, Cathy and Dee Dee! Antoinette will be so greatly missed! May her memory be eternal!
Kim McDonald
September 25, 2016
I was fortunate to meet Antoinette back when I was neighbors with her daughter Cathy. What a fun loving lady! Always laughing and enjoying each other's company! Later when Dee Dee moved in the laughter just kept on coming! Those three ladies are among the kindest and most thoughtful people I have met. God must have needed an angel when he requested Antoinette to join him. Cathy and Dee Dee I know your mom will be looking out for you and guiding you from above.
Fairouz Reed
September 25, 2016
May her memory be eternal.
September 24, 2016
I will always remember that beautiful smile and laugh.We had some good times in our short time together and I will always cherish them.She will always have a place in my heart. Cathy and DeeDee were Blessed to have such a Beautiful lady to call their Mom. Till you meet again.Your own Angel watches over you. Janice and Mike
Michelle Koury
September 24, 2016
She was a strong and shining light that shines through you two. Love you.
September 24, 2016
Dee Dee and Cathy, what a beautifully written tribute to your mother. I only met her a few times, but will never forget her. George was surprised to see that she was born one day after he was in the same year. She was blessed to have two such loving daughters.......Jeani and George Rottle
Josefine, Samir, Aline, Antoine & Abdala Bacha
September 24, 2016
"Being your smaller Sister, I remember you around me as a child at our home country. Than you moved to another country while I was still young; till one day after many years & I thank God for that, we met again & had the chance to live as sisters.
I missed you before as I will keep missing you nowadays. Hope to meet you again. We will keep remembering you in our prayers & pray for us from heaven. May your soul rest in peace in the heart of our saviour.
My sincere condolences to Adele, Cathy & Joseph.
September 24, 2016
This beautifully written tribute in memory of your mom describes such a loving, giving and caring lady. It makes me wish I had known her. In a way I did; I know her two greatest accomplishments-the two of you! Much love to you and your family, Cathy and Dee Dee.
June
Margaret Goff
September 23, 2016
I am so sorry for the passing of your mom Dee Dee and Cathy. Her memory will truly be eternal. She was lucky to have such a full life with wonderful daughters like you. So sorry I will not be able to be there on Saturday. You will be in my thoughts. Love you both.
xoxoxo Margaret and Laris
Casey Calta
September 23, 2016
Your mom was very special to me. She was like a 2nd mom to me always! She hugged and she made me feel like family.
She went above and beyond to help me on several occasions. I'll love her forever for this.
It's a great loss, however I know she's right by us watching and protecting us! Always!
Just like she always was....
Simoni Shirland
September 23, 2016
I am truly sorry for the passing of Antoinette! what a remarkable and loving lady!! may her memory be eternal! My deepest sympathy to Margaret and Cathy.
Simoni Shirland
September 23, 2016
I remember the great times we had in Maui together. You made us all laugh so much. I also like how you did my hair that last night. You were so kind to let me sleep in your bedroom when I visited the girls. You will be sorely missed! I'm so glad you are no longer in pain - rest in peace dear friend. Judy & Randy Clarke
Travis Hollingsworth
September 23, 2016
I will never forget walking into the room and seeing mom's face light up with her big smile. We love you momma and know that you will watch over Cath, Dee and Joe.
September 23, 2016
Mom you are going to be miss there will never be a day that I will never forget you I love you so much thank you for being so special to me and Cathy we love you may God bless you thank you mama for all the memories you will never be forgotten love you Adele Margaret as you call me your Deedee xoxo
September 22, 2016
Oh how much Antionette is missed at Country Side Living where both she & my husband, Elroy, have been residents this past year. The joy, fun, laughter & GOODIES that daughters Cathy & DeeDee brought to the residents there can't be duplicated! We thought we were actually living the movie "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" when Mamma would say to the girls, "I'm going to kill you!!" and they would answer, "Well, just do it!!". We never saw girls more dedicated to their Momma. They spent hours & hours and days & days keeping her company there. They truly went above & beyond showering her with their love & honoring her Our hearts are sad for their loss but they can be proud of all their Momma's amazing love for & contribution to so many lives. We pray for much comfort & peace that only the Lord can supply, Cathy & DeeDee, & cover you with love & hugs. Bev Knutson, Canby, OR
Mary Sconci Wolfe
September 22, 2016
My heart is heavy, but my life is richer for having been loved by Auntie. Her generosity and love for family was endless. She will be alive in my heart and memory forever. My prayers to Cathy, Adele and Joe, may you find peace and comfort in knowing she was loved and admired by so many.
I love you 'more'. Mary
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11801 SE Mt Scott Blvd., Portland, OR 97086
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