Bernice Doherty

1928 - 2015

Mrs. Bernice Doherty nee Verville died peacefully at Carroll Hospital Center of March 26, 2015 in Westminster, MD at the age of 86. Bernice is survived by her husband, William Doherty, her children Denise Doherty Johnson and husband Kenith of Sykesville, William Doherty, Jr. and wife Ann of Finksburg, Laurette Doherty O'Keefe and husband James of Sykesville, Cecille Doherty Wallace and husband Keith of Westminster. She is also survived by grandchildren Emilie Fredrick and husband Steven, Abigail Shipley, Shannon Spoler, James O'Keefe, III, DeLacy Doherty, Sean Wallace, William Wallace, Aidan Wallace, and Bridget Wallace and great grandchildren Jackson Shipley and Oscar Fredrick. Bernice was born on December 15, 1928 in New Bedford, Massachusetts to Clifford and Louise Verville. She graduated in 1946 from Warren Harding High School in Bridgeport, Connecticut. She married William Doherty, a Yale graduate and sailor in the US Navy, on October 20, 1951. After living in several homes in Connecticut, the family moved to Randallstown, Maryland in 1961. Bernice and Bill moved to Westminster in 1996. Bernice was an accomplished vocalist and pianist. She sang with Harold Hartley's Big Band in the 1940s and was also a USO entertainer during WWII. She was a model for Howland's Department Store in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Bernice dedicated her life to raising her children and her nine grandchildren. She was the central figure in her immediate and extended family. Bernice loved to celebrate all aspects of life. Her zest shone forth in her love of decorating for the holidays or any day. She was a member of Randall Ridge Canasta Club, the Fieldstone Garden Club and St John's Catholic Society. The Family will receive friends Tuesday, March 31, 2015 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 PM with a Christian Wake 7:30 PM at BURRIER-QUEEN FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY, P.A., 1212 W. Old Liberty Rd. Winfield, MD 21784. A Mass of Christian Burial will be said on Wednesday April 1, 2015 10 AM at St. John Catholic Church, 43 Monroe St. Westminster, MD 21157. Interment Meadow Branch Cemetery, Westminster MD. Those desiring may make contributions to Alzheimer's Assoc. 1850 York Rd. Suite D Timonium MD 21093.