Antoinette Rafli Tighe

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.