Catherine Theresa Tighe

Catherine Connolly Tighe passed away in Hendersonville, North Carolina on Sunday, August 24, 2025, after a short illness, waiting until after her family gathered for their annual "Happy Everything" celebration-honoring recognizing her 90th birthday, Bill's 93rd birthday, and her and Bill's 68th anniversary.

Catherine and Bill met at a college mixer neither wanted to attend and went on to share 68 years of marriage. They began their life together in The Bronx, NY, and Bill's career took them to Boston, Cleveland, Atlanta, and Princeton Junction, NJ, where they grew their family along the way. After retirement, they settled in Clemson, SC, then St. Augustine, FL, to be near their grandchildren, and finally moved to Hendersonville in 2020 to live close to their daughter.

Together, Catherine and Bill raised four children-each of whom insists they were her favorite. To her grandchildren, she was lovingly known as Nana. The daughter of Irish immigrants, Catherine cherished her heritage, and her Irish roots remained a proud and guiding part of her life. She raised her family by the motto "Bloom Where You Are Planted," and many will remember her for her smile, her warmth, and her unshakable enthusiasm.

A graduate of Hunter College in New York, Catherine taught elementary school before becoming a well-known name in New Jersey real estate. Along the way, she made countless school lunches, drove endless carpools, led scout troops, knitted red hats for her friends, and earned the nickname "the Bronx Barker" for her spirited fundraising for The Cascade Players Theater Club.

A devoted Duke basketball fan, Catherine's final wish was to participate in the Duke Anatomical Gift program. It may not get her center-court seats at Cameron, but it's close-and, as always, her wish is our command.

The family is deeply grateful to the many friends and loved ones who made Catherine's life rich and full. A private gathering to honor her will be held at a later date.