Our beloved sister, Mary Elizabeth Dougherty, 61, of Scranton, passed away unexpectedly at her family home on early Saturday afternoon.
Born in Scranton on Sept. 28, 1958, Mary was the daughter of Margaret Laboranti Dougherty and the late Joseph M. Dougherty. She wore proud the title of oldest sibling to her 11 brothers and sisters who adored her. She was a graduate of Bishop Hannan High School where she was elected the first female student council president in the school's history. She graduated from Marywood University with a Bachelor of Science in sociology.
Mary was her Dad's side kick at the family restaurant where she exemplified "service with a smile." She was employed for many years at St. Joseph's Center. She was a long-time member of the Behavioral Health Intellectual Disability – Early Intervention Program and was also a past member of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Mary was dedicated to lending her support and knowledge to those who suffered with mental health.
Mary was a kind, gentle person who had a heart of gold. She never had a harsh word to say and was always willing to help anyone in need. As a testament to her generous nature, she was an organ donor to Gift of Life. She never saw a book she didn't like, as evident by her shelves filled with countless books.
Mary adored her 27 nieces and nephews. She loved more than anything her pride and joy, her godchildren, sister Peggy and nephew Ryan. She will be missed dearly by her mother, siblings, nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.
In addition to her mother, she is survived by her 11 siblings and their spouses, Bernadette (Robert) Adcroft, Patricia (Joseph) LaTorre, Christine (Kevin) Jones, Kathi (Robert) Barstow, Ann Dougherty, Joseph (Kim) Dougherty, John (Colleen) Dougherty, Edward (Dawn) Dougherty, Margaret (Eric) Piccotti, Ellen Dougherty and Therese (Kevin) Walker.
She was preceded in death by her nephew, Robert Barstow.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday at 10 a.m. at St. Paul's Church, 1510 Penn Ave., Scranton, to be celebrated by her uncle, Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus John M. Dougherty.
A private viewing will be held for the family prior to the service.
Interment will take place at the Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Joseph Center, 2010 Adams Ave., Scranton, PA 18509; St. Paul's Parish, 1510 Penn Ave., Scranton, PA 18509; and the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 846 Jefferson Ave., Scranton, PA 18510.
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