Susan Jean Tighe

Susan Tighe, who loved world travel, departed our world on her final journey far too soon -- at the age of 76.

Through her expansive travels, the native of Dubuque, Iowa, saw the world through a beautiful, unique lens that was apparent to all who knew her. A lens that showed the world is so much bigger than us alone. A lens that allowed her to care for people she had never met. A lens that made her the kind, gentle soul she was. Not a mean bone in her body -- just one filled with love and compassion.

Susan’s steady, kind demeanor led her to a remarkable career, welcoming life into this world as a labor and delivery nurse and, eventually, the leap to being a midwife. Described by colleagues as a wonderful human who made everyone around her better, a favorite preceptor and a legend, she even earned the nickname The Chosen One from a patient.

She was the perfect combination of gentle, yet powerful. Her smile and warmth greeted hundreds of babies over her career, including her own grandson, Avery. To know that so many babies were welcomed into the world feeling Susan’s loving touch makes the family deeply proud that her legacy lives on through many.

The daughter of Ambrose and Jeannette Agnitsch, Susan was a friend to many. She deeply cherished her friendships far and wide. She traveled with friends and made friends on her travels. Her welcoming spirit radiated, and she never let anyone sit alone, unless by choice. Masterful at holding space for others and always, always being a safe space whenever one was needed. Susan was truly a gem by all definitions. She was a poet who loved the color purple and the smell of lavender. She was a beloved mother and Grammy Sue, who was always “on call” with a listening ear and words of wisdom. Ready to come running whenever she was needed. The void of her absence is expansive, and all who love her miss her deeply.

Survivors include three children, Annie Tighe (Kevin) of St. Paul, Brendan Tighe (Erica) of Blaine, MN, and Allison Tighe (Adam) of St. Paul; three grandchildren, Tomato and Atticus Kansy and Avery Tighe, and two brothers, Steve Agnitsch and John Agnitsch as well as nephews and a cousin.

Visitation and service for Susan will take place Monday, Feb. 10, at Elmwood Church, 3615 Chelmsford Road NE in St. Anthony Village, MN. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m., with service and luncheon following.

Susan lived her life with vibrancy, and we are sure she would enjoy seeing people dressed in an array of colors besides her favorite, purple.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Doctors Without Borders https://donate.doctorswithoutborders.org/ or Habitat for Humanity https://secure.habitat.org/.