Christel M. (Nieschalk) Doherty

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Christel M. Doherty, our loving and devoted mother, on February 24, 2025, at the age of 82.

She left us after a valiant fight, surviving against all odds Even in her final days, she somehow found the strength to visit or FaceTime with every member of the family. Her bravery was a true testament to her endless love and her desire to remain with us.

Born in Berlin, Germany, Christel survived a war-torn era. At the age of 17, she met the love of her life, an American soldier—our handsome dad, John P. Doherty. They married, and he brought our beautiful mom to the United States, where they built a family and a life full of love.

Christel was a beloved mother, survived by her daughters Kathleen A. (Doherty) Racki and Charlotte M. Doherty and her son Neal J. Doherty. She was also a cherished mother-in-law to Daniel Racki, Hillary Doherty, and Shelley Doherty.

She was predeceased by her loving husband, John P. Doherty Sr.; her adored son, John P. Doherty Jr.; her beloved grandson, Michael J. Racki; and her beloved siblings Hans and Peter Nieschalk and Sonja Lavoie.

Christel was an adored grandmother to Matthew, Craig, Shanleigh, Daniel, Jack, Krista, Erica, Kara, Cameron, Joel, Heather, Chelsea, Josh, Sean, and Leyna. She was also a proud great-grandmother to Brynn, Abby, Chase, Madeleine, Liam, Ethan, Jackson, Aden, Brayden, Addie, Noah, Isaiah, Landon, Owen, Mila, Oakley,Thomas, Jaxson, and Nolan.

She lived a full and beautiful life as a wonderful mother, grandmother, and caretaker of multiple pets who brought her immense joy. Christel was passionately talented in many areas, including cooking, knitting, crocheting, and gardening.

A true fashionista, she was full of class and style—qualities she passed down to her grandchildren. Above all, she loved her family fiercely, and there was nothing she wouldn’t do for any of us.

Christel instilled values of kindness, strength, courage, resilience, humor, and many other qualities that made her special and unique. She will be dearly missed, and her legacy will leave a profound impact on all those she loves.

In honor of our mom’s last wishes, there will be a private ceremony to celebrate her life, memory, and legacy.

Donations in her memory can be made to the MSPCA and The American Heart Association.