Valora Tighe

The rock of our family passed away peacefully on April 27, 2009 after a long struggle with cancer. Born in Sebastopol on December 11, 1926 to Harold and Nell Rowe, Valora attended Sebastopol schools, graduating from Analy High School in 1945 and Santa Rosa Junior College in 1947. A friend to all, she was an avid softball player for the Sebastopol Times Girls team during the 1940's and big fan of the A's. During World War II, she volunteered with the Red Cross as a Gray Lady in the Naval Hospital at Mare Island, where she met her husband-to-be Russ, a recuperating sailor. They were married six months later and then were separated for two years when Russ returned to active duty. Through the years they had many adventures including starting a business that they worked together, but most enjoyed spending time with friends and watching their family grow. She was always there for her family - our biggest fan. Valora is survived by her husband of 59 years, Russ; their daughter Linda Helton; sons Kevin and Regan Tighe and Regan's wife Linda; grandchildren Meghan, Amanda, Alicia and Anthony Tighe, and Cody and Tyanna Helton; and great-grandson, Devin Hart. Also survived by her brothers and their wives Leroy and Vera Rowe, Gerald and Mill Rowe, and her sister, Doris Rowe. A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, May 7, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. at Pleasant Hills Cemetery, 1700 Pleasant Hill Rd., Sebastopol, CA.