Ann C. Tighe, 87, of Chicago, died on Tuesday, October 20. A trailblazing lawyer; a devoted wife, mother and grandmother; and a woman whose clever wit and contagious laugh could light up any room, Ann found her greatest joys in her work, her family and close friends.

Ann grew up in Highland Park, Illinois, with her parents, Michael and Eda, and her late brother, Michael Tighe. There she made lifelong friends she affectionately and playfully called her “kindergarten friends,” since that’s where they first met.

She graduated from Stanford University and earned her law degree from Northwestern University School of Law, entering the profession at a time when few women were welcome in it. She began her career at the U.S. Attorney's Office before moving into private practice, where she became a partner at Cotsirilos, Tighe, Streicker, Poulos and Campbell. Her reputation for skill and integrity came within reach of a historic appointment as U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois.

Ann was deeply proud to be a lawyer. She met the obstacles facing professional women of her generation with sharp intellect and good humor, helping open doors for the women who followed.

Ann had it all: beauty, humor and a brilliant mind. She carried herself with unmistakable class and had a lifelong love of reading, traveling and shopping - Marshall Fields and Neiman Marcus being her favorites. She was fiercely loyal, exceptionally smart and those who loved her will remember her legendary laugh, cherished by family, friends and colleagues alike.

Ann's happy place was Beverly Shores where each summer she surrounded herself with family and friends who became family and enriched her life. An avid reader, she loved nothing more than lounging on the beach with a good book. She delighted in life's simple beauties: watching the leaves turn color, hearing the birds sing and taking sunset rides on the golf cart.

Ann was the beloved wife of James “Jim” Houlihan, who adored her, cared for her devotedly and was her true partner in the beautiful life they built together. She was the loving mother of Mike (Liz) and Dan (Kassie), caring aunt of Sean, Annie, Johnny, Jimmy, Kevin, Kenny and Drew and the proud, adoring grandmother of Tighe, Lauren, Wynn, Dayne and Caroline. She will be missed beyond measure - she was simply the best.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to People's Law Office Civil Rights Attorneys Chicago, Illinois | People's Law Office