Obituary
Ann (Harkin) Doherty, of Arlington, formerly of Somerville and Co. Donegal, Ireland, passed peacefully surrounded by her loving family on December 12 at the age of 91.
Beloved wife of the late John J. Doherty. Devoted mother of Patricia Doherty of Medford, Nancy Vogler and her husband Michael of Boston, John Doherty and his wife Susan of Melrose, and Mark Doherty and his wife Elizabeth of Braintree. Cherished Granny to Patrick and Owen Healey, Laura and her husband Christopher McVeigh and Rebecca and her husband Kevin Anderson, Sydney, Jack, and Connor Doherty, Sean, Aidan, and Colin Doherty. Adored Great Granny Annie to Elliott and Fiona McVeigh and Charlie Anderson. Dear sister of Philip of England. Predeceased by Patrick, John, Ellen, and Lily of Ireland, Sarah of England, James of Quincy, Kathleen of Dorchester, and Daniel of Chicago. Proud and much-loved aunt and great-aunt of many nieces and nephews around the world. Especially missed by devoted nephew J.P. Doherty and his wife Mary of Dorchester.
Born in Cabadoey, Carndonagh, County Donegal, Ann emigrated from Ireland to Boston as a young woman. She and her future husband John met at a local Irish dance and were happily married for 60 years. Although Ann lived in the U.S. for seventy years, she maintained a close connection to her family in Ireland, England, and Australia. She visited her home in Donegal numerous times and passed on to her children and grandchildren a sense of pride in their Irish heritage. Her nieces and nephews from home kept her connected to Donegal with their many visits and phone calls.
Ann’s family was her greatest joy. She raised her children with love, patience, and understanding and was happiest when surrounded by her loved ones. She enjoyed shopping, going to the casino, and watching the Red Sox. Ann was gracious and welcoming to everyone she met, opening her home and heart to all, whether it be neighbors stopping by for tea, family holidays, or relatives beginning their immigration journey to America.
In lieu of flowers, Ann’s family would appreciate donations to Saint Anthony Shrine, 100 Arch Street, Boston. https://stanthonyshrine.org/giving/gift/
Ann was a supporter of the Shrine and its varied missions to the underserved. Until Covid grounded her, she regularly took the MBTA bus and train to Arch Street for Mass.
Funeral Procession from the George L. Doherty Funeral Home, 855 Broadway (Powder House Sq.) Somerville on Monday morning, December 18th at 9:00AM followed by a Funeral Mass celebrated in St. Agnes Church, Arlington at 10:00AM. Relatives and friends invited to attend. Ann’s Funeral Mass will be live streamed from the parish website at https://www.cparl.org It can be found by scrolling down toward the bottom of the page.
Calling Hours Sunday, December 17th from 2:00PM ~ 5:00PM.
Services will conclude with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.