Mary Carolyn Tighe

Mary Carolyn Tighe, age 79, a resident of Philippi, passed away Sunday, December 25, 2022 in the United Hospital Center. Mary was born April 25, 1943 in Weirton to the late Robert Young Chapline and Mary Virginia (Kelch) Chapline. She spent her childhood in Beech Bottom and Wellsburg. She volunteered with the Salvation Army, where she met Richard Lee Tighe, whom she married on January 28, 1963.

As a military wife, Mary supported Richard’s career, moving several times, and working various jobs to help support their growing family of 3 daughters. Upon his retirement from the Air Force, the family moved back to Grafton, Richard’s childhood home. There, Mary worked at Grafton City Hospital. Once all of the girls had left home, Mary and Richard moved to Barbour County. Mary started working at Sugar Creek Children’s Home, where she worked for about 15 years. She was awarded the Child Care Worker of the Year for the state of West Virginia.

Following her retirement from Sugar Creek, Mary earned her Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification and began a new career in caregiving.

Mary was a caregiver at heart throughout her life. She was always the first to step up to help her family and friends in need. Mary enjoyed gardening, sewing, cooking, and tending to her chickens. She adored spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and spending time at the Belington Wellness Center.

Mary was a very outgoing person. She loved meeting and talking to new people, annoying her introverted husband to no end.

Mary is survived by her husband of 60 years, Richard Tighe.

Also surviving are her three daughters, Kathleen Tighe-Smith and husband Neal of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Catherine Bowman and husband Paul II of Mt. Clare, Leslie Maley and husband Frank of Nestorville; her grandchildren, Holli Junkins and husband Kevin, Aaron Griffith, Sarah Bowman, Emily Bowman and fiancé Kyle Stickel, Frank Maley, Andra Smith, and Raven Smith; great-grandchildren Jayden, Olivia, Jacob, Layla, and Delilah Junkins; and several nieces and nephews.

Mary was the last surviving member of her immediate family having been preceded in death by nine siblings, brothers Wilbur, Robert, Arthur (Dick), Louis, and John, and sisters Maude, Flora, Joan, and Gladys.

Friends will be received at the Wright Funeral Home 220 N. Walnut St., Philippi on Friday, December 30, from 2-4 pm. In honor of Mary’s request, cremation will be honored and will follow.