Muriel M. Dougherty

Muriel M. Dougherty, 98, passed away Sunday, December 3, 2023 at Brookdale Assisted Living in Florence Township, NJ. Born in Roebling, NJ, Muriel lived in Bordentown Township and Homestead in Columbus prior to moving to Florence. She was a member of the first graduating class at Florence High School, where she remained an engaged alumna her entire life. Following high school, Muriel worked as a secretary for the J.A. Roebling Company and at Fort Dix Military Base. After marrying her husband, James E. Dougherty, she became a full-time mother to her five children for twenty years. Muriel eventually returned to work in the real estate office of Saxton, Imlay, Falconer & Bell before working as Administrative Assistant for H. James Saxton in his New Jersey State Assembly and New Jersey Senate offices, and Office Manager in his U.S. Congressional office until retiring at age 69.

Muriel was an active community member, proudly serving as a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of Roebling since 1943. She was also a member of the Roebling Museum, Bordentown Township Senior Citizens Club, and a long-standing member of the Trinity United Methodist Church of Bordentown.

Always a reliable presence at her grandchildren’s sporting events, performances, and extracurricular activities, Muriel was a loving grandmother and proud great-grandmother. She was in awe of her large family and delighted in following their activities across the country. 

In addition to actively participating in the lives of her children and grandchildren, Muriel also had a rich social life and many lifelong friendships. She loved the beach, especially the Jersey Shore and Florida, where she spent many weeks in the winter. She loved dancing and shared fond memories of performing in recitals and local shows, teaching tap-dancing lessons out of her parents’ basement, and attending dances at Fort Dix. Muriel loved playing the slots at the casino, visiting her friends and family, indulging in sweets, and spending time in the sunshine.

Predeceased by her parents Charles and Emma Sweetman, her beloved husband James E. Dougherty, her son, Dennis C. Dougherty, and her granddaughter Meghan Ford, she is survived by her children: Pat Benedetti (Bruce), Kevin Dougherty (Ellen), Lynn Ford (Brian) and Jim Dougherty (Beth). Her grandchildren: Theresa, Cate, Tricia, Anne, Kevin, Caitlin, Jimmy, Erin, Brian, Michael, Sarah and Kiley, and her eleven great grandchildren: Gwen, Graham, Mikey, Tommy, Maeve, Clara, Declan, Emily, Brielle, Otto, and Elsie.

Funeral Services for Muriel will be held Saturday December 9th at 11:00 am at the Peppler Funeral Home, 122 Crosswicks St, Bordentown, NJ. Family and friends are invited to call from 9 am until time of service at the funeral home. Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Bordentown Township, NJ.