Bernadette Tighe

Bernadette (“Bernie”) Tighe, 82, died on September 16, 2026. Born May 15, 1944, in Denver, Colorado, Bernie lived a life marked by deep devotion to family and faith. After earning a BA in Sociology from Loretto Heights College, she married the love of her life, Joseph (“Joe”) Tighe, and settled in Colorado Springs, raising four children. After some harsh winters, the couple decided to retire in warmer weather in Sun Lakes, Arizona.

Bernie’s life’s work was rooted in care and commitment—first as a stay-at-home mother, and later through various positions that benefited families and visitors alike, including work with the Colorado Springs Children’s Museum, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, and the Doubletree Hotel.

She was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend. Bernie is survived by her husband of 59 years, Joe Tighe; daughters Sharon Hinsey (Jim Hinsey), Beth Reed (Chris Reed), and Katie Bell (Michael Bell); son Jim Tighe (Brooke Tighe); and ten grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, John S. Murray and Isabel Murray, and her sisters, Ann Plank, Virginia Sullivan, and Marjorie Noonen. Bernie’s friends and family meant the world to her, including her beloved nieces and nephews.

Her faith and service shaped much of her life. Bernadette was involved with St. Steven’s Catholic Church, the Cottonwood Tennis Club, the Bright Lights Trivia Team, the Colorado Springs Song Spinners, and the Corpus Christi Catholic Church Women’s Circle. She also served as a religious education teacher and volunteered with Meals on Wheels, offering her time in ways that reflected a generous heart.

Bernie’s days were enriched by the simple joys that bring people together: tennis, swimming, bridge, line dancing, Syllacrostic word puzzles, square dancing, board games, and piano. Nothing brought out Bernie’s joy like a holiday – her couple’s Halloween costumes were legendary, as were the annual Thanksgiving Gobble Games, Christmas mornings, Easter egg hunts, and St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

She was the ultimate Energizer Bunny. Bernie peeled potatoes at 4 am and would enjoy playing board games and laughing with friends until late into the night. She would line up multiple activities seven days a week, playing tennis several hours a day in the hot Arizona heat.

Bernie will be remembered for her optimism and putting a smile on everyone’s face, welcoming everyone as family, and the positive impact she had on her community.