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Sr. Dougherty Obituary
Newark - Sr. Mary Joseph Dougherty (Helen), a native of Wilmington, entered the Benedictine Sisters of Ridgely, Maryland, in 1946, and spent 49 years as an educator at St. Elizabeth Elementary and High School in Wilmington. She also spent a short time at Our Lady of Fatima School in New Castle, Delaware.
Born on St. Patrick's Day in 1928, and being of Irish descent, is stands to reason that she would be an avid follower of the Fightin' Irish of Notre dame. Sister was also a devoted fan of her students' sports teams and could often be seen sitting in the bleachers.
Sister earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Seton Hall University in South Orange, NJ, and a Master of Arts degree from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. After her formal retirement from teaching, she spent six years living in Wilmington and traveling back and forth to Ridgely driving the elderly sisters to appointments.
Sister was a dear friend to the sisters and went out of her way to be of assistance to them. In her spare time, she enjoyed watching and attending football, basketball and baseball games; especially the Phillies, Notre Dame, and the St. Elizabeth Vikings. Sister could also be found coaching, knitting and cross-stitching in her spare time.
She is predeceased by her parents, Marie (Watson) and James Joseph Dougherty; her sisters, Dorothy and Marie; and her brothers, James and Paul. She is survived by her sisters, Nancy and Pat; and her brothers; Tom and Jerry.
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, funeral services will be held privately. Interment will be held in St. Gertrude cemetery in Ridgley, MD. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Benedictine Sisters at 25 Gender Road Newark, DE, 19713. On-line condolences may be sent to Mealeyfuneralhomes.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Sr. Dougherty
Sponsored by Mealey Funeral Home - Limestone Road.
Trina Stanford
April 9, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Anne-Marie Crossan(Roberts)
April 7, 2020
God Bless and comfort all that shared a relationship with Sr. Mary Joseph. She is one of my educators that I remember for her stern but fair treatment of her students. Great sense of humor. I always enjoyed her class. RIP in God's loving arms.
Loretta Lantolf
April 7, 2020
Sister was one of the happy, smiling faces that welcomed me to St E's many years ago.
She was always there with a helping hand and words of encouragement.
Rest In Peace, dear Sister
Tuck Gallagher
April 6, 2020
She was one of favorite nuns. Sister Mary Joseph was more worldly then you thought, had a great sense of humor. I am glad i got to learn from her.
Judy Healy Krajewski
April 6, 2020
Sister Mary Joseph was one of our biggest fans at the "Box" during our run to the St. Elizabeth Vikings Girls Basketball First Ever State Championship in 1979. We will never forget her cheering us on in the bleachers. She also gave us all the typing skills we use today on our computers, phones, laptops, etc.
Rest in Peace Sister.
-Judy Healy Class of '79
Paula Salvatore
April 6, 2020
One of my favorite teachers. Tough, but fair.
Toni Rafalli-Carucci
April 6, 2020
A lot of great memories of business classes with Sister at SEHS - Class of 81
frank aiello
April 6, 2020
Sister was a wonderful person, teacher, and friend. She was such a positive influence in my life and career. She will be dearly missed, and I will keep her in my daily thoughts and prayers. I am truly grateful and blessed for having Sister in my life. May God bless her for what she meant and did for so many.
April 5, 2020
Aunt Helen was kind to my son jimmy and me, from Blue Rock tickets to taken the basketball team I coached to a Ravens / Eagles game. R.I.P
April 5, 2020
Sister,
You were one of my favorite teachers and people.
Rest in Peace,
John Schussler
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Mealey Funeral Home - Limestone Road2509 Limestone Rd, Wilmington, DE 19808
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