Joan Dougherty Obituary
In Loving Memory of Joan Dougherty (May 8, 1928 - September 13, 2025).
The family of Joan Dougherty (Welle) is deeply saddened to announce her passing on September 13, 2025, at the age of 97, surrounded by her loved ones.
Joan was born in Grand Forks, ND, to Ursula (O’Keefe) and Ambrose Welle, and grew up in Melrose, MN. She attended UND, where she majored in Sociology and was a member of Gamma Phi Beta. She received a small plane pilot’s license while attending UND—a rare feat at that time. It is there she met her spouse, Paul Dougherty. After graduating from UND, she was a flight attendant with NWA briefly before she and Paul settled down to raise their family of six children in Grand Forks, ND, and later Long Prairie, MN. Joan dedicated over 20 years of service as a social worker for Todd County Social Services, where her compassion and caring made a lasting impact.
In retirement, Joan embraced her passions. A talented sewer, quilter, and enthusiastic traveler, she attended numerous quilting workshops and competitions across the country. She explored the world with joy and curiosity, visiting Ireland, England, Jamaica, France, Australia, Spain, Morocco, Portugal, and many other destinations. Ever the adventurous traveler, she took her first cruise at the age of 90.
Joan was very interested in genealogy and spent decades researching her own family history and that of her husband, and was particularly interested in her and Paul’s Irish roots. One of her most cherished memories was traveling to Ireland with Paul before his passing.
Joan is lovingly remembered by her children, daughters Mary Bridget Dougherty (Gary Tandberg), Paula Dougherty-Davis (Tony Davis); sons Mike (Shawn Galloway), Tim, Terry, and John; and nine grandchildren; Siobhán, Tristan, Patrick, Haley, Adam, Danielle, Brianna, Chandler, and Weston; five great-grandchildren; Ciarán, Briony, Grace, Mason and Lincoln; sister-in-law JoAnn Welle; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
In accordance with her wishes, no formal funeral service will be held. Her life will be remembered and celebrated privately by those who loved her.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
418 Fifth Avenue SE, Melrose, MN 56352
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