Phyllis A. Dougherty
Phyllis A. Dougherty, age 84, of Newark, DE, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 19, 2019.
Born in Newark, DE on November 19, 1934, she was the daughter of the late John J. and Helen (Tweed) Davis, Sr. Phyllis graduated from Wilmington HS in 1952. Following graduation she attended Goldey-Beacom, and then went to work for Hercules. In 1958, she married James M. Dougherty. She then went to work at St. Mark’s High School where she enjoyed her works as an administrative assistant, retiring after 37 years of dedicated service. While at St. Mark’s she made many lifelong friends.
Dedicated to her faith, she was a long time member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church, serving on the alter guild and volunteered countless hours to the church. In addition to the church, Phyllis volunteered for numerous DE charities over the years, including the Association for the Blind.
Phyllis was an avid bird watcher and enjoyed watching them feed on her many feeders. She enjoyed all things to do with England and was lucky enough to travel there many times. In her spare time, Phyllis loved to read, especially about DE history. Above all, she will be remembered as a loving mother and grandmother.
In addition to her parents, Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, James Michael Dougherty; and brothers, John Davis, Jr. and Willard Davis. She is survived by her children, Michael Dougherty (Elizabeth) and Elizabeth Zug (David); and grandchildren, Loghan Dougherty, Graham Dougherty, Lauren Zug, Kelsey Zug and Julia Zug.
A funeral service will be held at 11 am on Thursday, April 25, 2019, at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 276 South College Avenue, Newark, DE 19711. Interment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Phyllis’ memory to St. Thomas Episcopal Church at the address listed above.
Nadine ((Deanie) Cieniewicz
To Michael, Elizabeth and their families. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. May she be at peace now.
Cousin Deanie
The Rev. Paul Gennett, Jr
With sympathy at Phyllis death. A warm and welcoming friend I was honored to serve at priest while at St. Thomas’s. Prayers surround her daughter & son and the grandchildren she loved do much!
Sally Price
Phyllis was one of my mentors and an entree into the hospitality ministry at St. Thomas’s. She was also a valuable teacher and co-worker on the altar guild. Always cheerful and ready to help, she taught me a lot about servant ministry. Rest in peace, dear Phyllis.
Nancy Williams Kavanaugh
Michael and Lisa, please accept my deepest apologies on the passing of your mother. I am privileged to have been acquainted with her. I also want you to know that I would very much like to thank her for raising my very dear son-in-law, who today, is a very principled man with deep convictions and down to earth, old fashioned values. Though you are grieving at this time, take comfort in your memories and in the knowledge that she will be missed by many, and is now at peace.
Anne Harrison Smith
Dear Family Members,
I am so sorry to learn of the passing of Phyllis. I have many great memories during my 30 years of teaching at St. Mark’s of wonderful conversations with Phyllis. She was a very special person who loved her family and friends. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you!
Linda Dougherty Hanna
So very sorry to read of Phyllis’ passing. I remember her from many years ago when I was a young child. Her parents, John & Helen, lived in back of us and her husband, Jimmy was Godfather to my sister, Janet. We also knew her brothers well. Phyllis was such a very nice young lady and a very good daughter to her parents. My sincere sympathy to you and your family on your loss. Prayers for strength, peace & comfort for all of you. “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; Love leaves a memory no one can steal.”
Brian and Linda Williams
Our most sincere condolences to Michael and Elizabeth. Although we met only once at Michael and Liz’ wedding , it was clear how much Phyllis loved her children. We celebrate a life spent in selfless devotion.
Laurie Courtney
RIP Aunt Phyllis.
Pauline C DeAscanis
How sorry I am to learn of Phyllis’s passing. She was liked by everyone at St. Mark’s High School. She was always pleasant to anyone who came into her office. We all knew how much she loved her children and grandchildren. Be assured that you will all be in my thoughts and prayers! You have my sincere sympathy for your loss.
Peggy Pepper
I am sorry to learn about the loss of Phyllis. I enjoyed being her neighbor in Fairfield many years ago. Phyllis’s daughter, Lisa, and my daughter Sandy (Richardson) were friends as little girls. My prayers are with Michael, Lisa, and their families.