Joan Margaret (McManus) Doherty

Joan Margaret (McManus) Doherty, 88, beloved wife of the late Frederick J. Doherty, died suddenly on May 2, 2025, in Reading, MA, following a day of games, fun, and laughter with long-time friends and her beloved sisters Ann Marie Morris and Maureen Gillum. Joan was an extraordinary wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, in-law, neighbor, and friend to so many.

Those fortunate enough to have known Joanie will forever cherish her memory. She will always be remembered as someone who moved through the world with extraordinary thoughtfulness and extended genuine kindness to every single person she encountered. She never spoke disparagingly of anyone and always chose to see the best in others. Joanie was a woman of deep and abiding faith, rarely missing a Mass in her 88 years, and found strength and solace in her unwavering connection to God. Joanie drew from her deep faith, providing simple acts of kindness from gifting holiday-themed dish towels, delivering hand-written cards and notes, and a knack for lifting up others.

Joanie was the embodiment of thoughtfulness, a radiant presence whose love for her family and friends shone through in countless ways. She often arrived fashionably late, but never empty-handed, her visits often heralded by a vibrant, rainbow-colored selection of fresh fruit or a batch of her lovingly prepared baked goods. Whether it was a grade school recital, a weekend sporting event, or a significant milestone celebration, Joanie was invariably present, her enthusiastic support a constant source of encouragement. Her remarkable memory ensured no birthday, anniversary, special occasion, or holiday ever went unacknowledged, always paired by the perfect card, often with a sweet touch – a carefully taped piece of chocolate in the corner, a testament to her sweet and considerate nature.

Joan was born on July 31, 1936, in Medford, MA, the daughter of the late Frederick and Alice (Carnes) McManus. She was the eldest of six siblings in a close-knit Irish-American family. She attended Medford Public Schools before moving to Somerville for two years, then settled in Reading, where she graduated from Reading High School in 1954. Though Joanie's Reading residences included the memorable, unheated former Lowell Street milk plant, her home, wherever it was, was always abundantly filled with warmth and love from her parents and five younger siblings.

Joan met the love of her life, Fred in 1957, when their paths intertwined at a Sylvania company dance where they both were employed, leading to a loving union when they married on May 6th, in 1961, at Saint Agnes Church in Reading, the town where they would build their life and raise their family. They shared 60 beautiful years together until Fred's passing in 2021.

Joan and Fred together worked tirelessly for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including their son Timmie who resided at Fernald School in Waltham, MA for 28 of his 30 years. Joan was a quiet yet fierce advocate, dedicating her time and talents to fundraising for the betterment of the Fernald community. Joan developed a strong sense of social justice at an early age, which grew stronger throughout her life. She recently attended a human rights rally by herself to show her continued support for marginalized communities. She instilled in her children and grandchildren a sense of fairness and the need for social justice that will carry on.

Joan is the beloved wife of the late Frederick J. Doherty. She is the devoted mother of Frederick M. Doherty and his wife Catherine, Kathleen Taylor and her husband Craig, Brian Doherty and his wife Joy, Dan Doherty and his wife Krissy, daughter-in-law Terry Henderson, and the late Timothy "Timmie" Doherty. The cherished Nana of Andrew and his fiancée Nevada, Brian and his wife Bella, Eric, Michele and her husband Max, Nathaniel and his wife Kristen, Sarah, Laura and her wife Jackie, Erin, Maddie, and Joey. Joan is the proud great-grandmother of Anderson, Jonah and Arrietty.

She is the dear sister of Ann Marie Morris and her husband, the late Richie, Midge Record and her husband Ronnie, the late Fred McManus and his wife Judy, Kevin McManus and his wife Anne, and Maureen Gillum and her husband Kirt. She is also survived by sister-in-law, Patsy Doherty, and brother-in-law, Bob Downer. In addition to husband Fred and son Timmie, she was preceded in death by several beloved family members, including Charlie and Lenora Doherty, Brenda Downer, Landie and Robert Gendron, and Anthony Santos. Auntie Joanie will be fondly remembered by her many nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be held at the Doherty-Barile Family Funeral Home, 11 Linden St., Reading, on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, from 4 to 8pm. A funeral Mass Celebrating Joan’s Eternal Life will be held at St. Agnes Church, 186 Woburn St., Reading, on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 10:30am. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery, 686 Washington St., Winchester.

In remembrance of Joanie's life, the family suggests that donations be made to the following organizations: Mission of Deeds at 6 Chapin Ave, Reading, MA 01867 https://www.missionofdeeds.org/donate-funds/  or Woburn Host Lions Club at PO Box 81 Woburn, MA 01801 https://woburnhostlions.com

For more information, www.facebook.com/BarileFamilyFuneralHome