Catherine Doherty

Our mother, Catherine Doherty (née Craig), was born in County Donegal, Ireland, on March 26, 1930, and passed away peacefully, surrounded by love and held in God's care. Although her legal birth date was recorded ten days earlier due to a clerical error when her father registered her birth, her family always celebrated her birthday on March 26, the day she herself knew to be true.

Catherine was one of ten children born to the Craig family in Donegal. At just 12 years old, she left school for a year to help care for her mother, who had contracted scarlet fever, and to look after her younger siblings. This early responsibility marked the beginning of a lifelong journey of caring for others and revealed the compassion, strength, and selflessness that defined her life.

At the age of 18, Catherine emigrated from Ireland to Glasgow, Scotland, to attend nursing school. Through determination and hard work, she became a Registered Nurse, a role she embraced not just as a profession, but as a true vocation. She cared deeply for her patients and remained proud of her work throughout her life, holding her nursing designation until her retirement at the age of 70.

In 1960, our mother made her way to New York City, carrying with her a strong work ethic, an unshakable Catholic faith, and a desire to build a meaningful life of service. In 1966, she married our father, Neil Doherty, the love of her life. Together they built a home rooted in faith, love, and devotion, raising their four children-Rosaleen, Sarah, Peter, and Rachel-in Franklin Square, New York. She was a deeply devoted mother who gave endlessly of herself and always put her family first.

One of her greatest joys in life was being a grandmother. She was blessed with twelve grandchildren and threw herself wholeheartedly into that role, delighting in each of them and cherishing every moment spent together. Her love for them was constant, generous, and unmistakable.

Faith was at the center of our mother's life. She had a profound devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and found great comfort in prayer. Her faith led her to travel the world on pilgrimages to sacred and holy places-journeys that brought her deep spiritual fulfillment and reflected her trust in God and her devotion to Our Lady.

Our mother was a loving and steadfast wife, remaining faithfully at our father's side throughout their marriage and until his passing in 2013. Upon their marriage, she was warmly embraced by the large Doherty family of Long Beach, New York, who welcomed her as one of their own. Those relationships meant a great deal to her and enriched her life in countless ways.

Catherine is survived by her children, Rosaleen Doherty, her husband Jay Kenney, and their children Noah and Gabrielle; Sarah Doherty and her children Patrick, Caley, and Jolie Campbell, and their father, Sean Campbell; Peter Doherty and his children Bridget, Emily, Daniel, Kevin, and Brendan Doherty; and Rachel Doherty and her children Nem and Colin Reid. She is also survived by her siblings, Grainne Doyle, Mary Shirreffs, and Daniel Craig, as well as by her sisters-in-law, Kathleen Catrini and her husband Vince, and Donna Pollio. Catherine is also survived by many nieces and nephews on the Doherty and Craig sides of the family, all of whom held a special place in her heart.

Our mother will be deeply missed and forever loved by her family and friends in Ireland, Scotland, and the United States. We take comfort in knowing she has been reunited with our father Neil and with loved ones who have gone before her, and that she now rests in the eternal peace promised by God.

"May the road rise up to meet her,

may the wind be always at her back.

May the Lord hold her in the palm of His hand."

May her gentle soul rest in peace. Amen.