Michelle N. Tillinghast

Michelle Nigrelli Tillinghast, age 69, of Washington, Georgia, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.

Michelle was born on March 11, 1957, in Westerly, Rhode Island, to the late Rosario Nigrelli and Doris Davis Nigrelli. She was a graduate of Westerly High School, Class of 1975.

In 1975, Michelle married Donald Tillinghast of North Stonington, Connecticut. The couple began their life together traveling across the country while Donald worked as an over-the-road truck driver. After the birth of their daughter, Deana, they continued traveling for several years before eventually settling in Georgia. Michelle worked for National Cash Register (NCR) for many years.

Following her divorce from Donald, Michelle married Jonathan Cassele in Georgia. She was later widowed when Jonathan passed away as the result of a motor vehicle accident. Michelle eventually remarried Donald Tillinghast, and they remained married until his passing in 2018. Michelle continued to make her home in Georgia until her passing.

Michelle is survived by her daughter, Deana Tillinghast Scroggs of Georgia; her former son-in-law, Douglas Scroggs; four grandchildren, Wesley Fricks, Kenneth Davis, Shelby Scroggs, and Alicia Armstrong; and her sister, Lisa Nigrelli Daley of South Dakota.

In addition to her husbands, she was preceded in death by her parents, Rosario and Doris Nigrelli.

A Celebration of Life for Michelle will be held on Sunday, October 25, 2026, from 12:15 PM until 12:45 PM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1156 Willey Black Road, Elberton, GA.

Hopkins Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Michelle Nigrelli Tillinghast.