Jessica Elizabeth (Leyte) Tighe

Jessica Elizabeth Tighe (Leyte)

May 1, 1990-Jan 14, 2021

With unimaginable pain, we regret to announce that our beautiful Jess left us on January 14, 2021. Although she was a realist with her illness, she chose to live with determination and passion. Jess made it her mission to reach out to others on her journey; to educate, advocate and support. So many were inspired by her strength and courage, as she became their beacon of hope. Jess was truly an amazing soul, much wiser than her years, she was our shining light who loved to dance.

Jessica achieved a lot in her short life. After receiving a liver transplant, she was asked to present to the studying Doctors at Dalhousie University. She was so captivating and passionate about raising awareness of her disease that during multiple presentations, she would often be told "that was our best presentation ever". She was so proud! Jess also volunteered with the “Legacy of Life Organ and Tissue Program” where she participated in presenting to community groups and health care professionals. She had a profound impact on those responsible for facilitating the organ donation process.

Jessica lived with an urgency to see and do so much. She touched so many lives. But her all-time greatest pleasure was meeting and marrying Mark, the love of her life. Together they gave us our most precious gift, our miracle baby, Violet. Jessica always wanted to be a mom, but after her diagnosis she never dared to dream that this could come true. After receiving the precious gift of life, Jess experienced good health and her dream was miraculously realized. Violet will always be Jessica's greatest legacy and we will continue to be part of Jessica's journey through her. We will talk to Violet about her beautiful mom every day, she will know and love her as we do.

Jessica was employed as a Product Specialist with the NSLC. She loved her work family. While her time with them was short, the incredible outpouring of love and support she and her little family have received from them was so appreciated and will never be forgotten. We are so grateful she had the opportunity to excel and was so well-respected in her work.

Jessica truly loved everyone, she accepted people exactly as they were. The world was a much kinder place with Jess in it. Left to mourn are her husband Mark, her precious daughter Violet, her parents Patricia and Doug Leyte, her brother Coady (Dana), her maternal grandparents Betty Power and Pat Basker, her paternal grandfather George Herridge, her parents in law Jenny and David Tighe, her brother in law Dave Tighe, her grandparents in law Eunice and Eddy McCarthy, Aunt Carol Hillier (Cecil), Uncles Vic Power (Debbie), Steve Power (Diane) and Dave Power (Dana), Aunt Lynn Drake (Lloyd), Uncle Bruce Leyte (Lisa), her special sister cousins Stephanie Hillier (Nathan), Katelyn Hillier (Jeff), Haley Power (Rob), James Power (Shannon), Megan, Ryan and Abbey Power, Ashley Drake (Brandon), Katelyn Steele (Chris), Brian Drake, Cory Leyte (Shauna), Tyler Leyte (Melissa) and Shelby Scott. All her "big cousins". Special friends Samantha Matheson, Brittany Thistle and Jennifer Allen, Jessica treasured you all.

Jessica was predeceased by her Maternal Grandfather James Power, Paternal Grandparents Beverly Herridge and Lloyd Leyte, Paternal Grandparents in law Myles and Jeanette Tighe.

We want to extend a special thank you to Hepatologist Dr. Marie Laryea for your care, compassion and support. You forever have a place in our hearts. To Dr. Stacey Williams, your exemplary care of Jessica brought her great comfort, thank you. To her 2011 transplant surgeon Dr. Michele Molinari, all those involved in her transplant and her donor family, thank you. Thank you to Dr. Langley for your continued care. To the entire team at Cape Breton Regional Hospital, ICU and Surgical units, you did everything that could be done. If effort and skill could have saved Jess she would still be with us. You did not let her down. We are forever thankful.

A private family celebration of life will happen on Tuesday January 19, 2021 at St. Joseph's Parish, North Sydney under the direction of W. J. Dooley Funeral Home officiated by Father Doug MacDonald and Father Patrick O'Neil. Covid-19 restrictions will be in place, wearing of masks are mandatory and seating is limited.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.wjdooley.com

Memorial donations may be made to PSC Partners Seeking a Cure (PSCpartners.org) or a charity of one’s choice.

                    "I will never forget you, I have you memorized"

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