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ESCANABA -- Janet L. Tighe, 90, of Escanaba, passed away in her home on Friday evening, October 2, 2026 following a courageous battle with cancer.
She was born on April 26, 1936 in East Detroit, Michigan, daughter of Edward and Eva (Seager) Brinker. Janet graduated from Mt. Mercy High School and then continued her education at St. Mary's School of Nursing (Grand Rapids, Michigan). She worked as a registered nurse in a hospital setting for several years and then was called to in-home nursing as a caregiver for an elderly relative.
On September 7, 1957, Janet married Robert Tighe in Big Rapids, Michigan. Janet was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose greatest joy in life was her family. She and Bob were blessed with 59 wonderful years of marriage, and together they raised nine children, creating a home filled with love, laughter, and countless cherished memories.
A creative woman of many talents, Janet enjoyed keeping busy with the things she loved. She found great joy in knitting and sewing, as well as canning, baking, and cake decorating. Her love of gardening kept her outdoors, where she tended to her flowers, vegetables, and the many birds that visited her yard. Janet also enjoyed bike riding and spending time with family. She was always ready to drop everything and take part in a new adventure or family gathering, embracing the joys and surprises that come with raising nine children. One of her favorite sayings was, “Let’s not plan too far in advance. You know something will always change between now and then!”
Janet's Catholic faith was an important part of her life and provided her with strength and guidance throughout the years. Above all, she will be remembered for the love she gave so freely to her husband, children, family, and friends. Her home, her faith, and her family were at the heart of who she was, and the memories she created will be treasured by all who knew and loved her.
Among survivors include her children: David (Maureen) Tighe, Lorraine Tighe, Kathleen (Jeff) Powers, Colleen (Bill) Reader, Tom (Carol) Tighe, Michael (Kirsten) Tighe, Patty Tighe (Lorne Watson), Dan Tighe (Theresa), and Bobby (Judy) Tighe; grandchildren, Nick Powers, Madison Powers, Eva Reader, Ben Reader, Casey (Alex) Weems, Brady (Stasia) Tighe, Tommy (Lina) Tighe, Dominic Tighe, Patrick Tighe, Jack Tighe, Asa Watson, Paul Tighe, Maggie (Eli) Kibbe, Ella (Paul) Kies, and Charles Tighe; two great grandchildren: Abigail and Katherine Weems; her sister, Evelyn Curphy; sister-in-law, Mary Lou Rogers; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In addition to her parents and husband, Robert, she was preceded in death by a brother, Charles and many other beloved family members.
Visitation will be on Monday, October 12 from 10 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at St. Anne's Church, 817 S. Lincoln Rd., Escanaba. The Upper Peninsula Nurses Honor Guard will honor Janet's years as a nurse and dedication to her profession at 11 a.m. At 11:30 a.m. the Rosary
will be recited with the family in the church. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 12 p.m. with Rev. Fran DeGroot officiating. A meal will follow in the church hall.
She will be laid to rest next to her husband, Robert on Thursday, October 15 at 1 p.m. in Mt. Carmel Cemetery, 17 Mile Road, Big Rapids, MI 49307.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Holy Name Catholic School 409 S 22nd St, Escanaba, MI 49829 or to OSF Healthcare Foundation to be dedicated to the Radiation Therapy Campaign, 3401 Ludington St., Escanaba, MI 49829.
A message of condolence may be directed to the family by visiting crawfordfuneralhomes.net. The Crawford Funeral Homes have been entrusted to handle arrangements.
