Leslie A. Rosenthal Doherty

Leslie Ayn Rosenthal Doherty, age 70, of Plum Island, MA, passed away on January 14, 2025.
Born on November 15, 1954, to the late Sidney Rosenthal and Trudy Fraser. Leslie was the loving mother of Kitri Pearl Schaefer and Brendan Jacob Doherty; the dear "Hunney" of Micah Layne Schaefer; and the thoughtful, warm mother-in-law to Kyle Lebel Schaefer. She was the loving, spirited partner to Gary Lee Clark for 30 years and the devoted sister of Susan Dee Hardy (husband Dave) and Pamela Beth Newhouse (husband Tim). She was also the cherished "Auntie Leslie/Les" to Aaron, Calvin, Isaac, Ruth, and Dustin; and the "Greatest" Aunt to Ella, Oliver, Leah, Sophia and Ezra.
Leslie's vibrancy and energy sparkled and spread to those she encountered. She was nicknamed "Sunshine" by many, as her sincere caring and boundless love flowed from every part of her being, embracing her friends, students and family. Echoing in her family's hearts are her words that they are a "Clan of Love".
A deeply adventurous spirit led her from Massachusetts, where she was raised and educated at UMass Amherst (BA) and Tufts University (MSOT), to the mountains of Alaska. There, Leslie found inspiration in the vast beauty and untamed wilderness, built lasting friendships, dedicated her career as an Occupational Therapist to helping others, and welcomed her children into the world. Upon returning to the East Coast, she discovered that same sense of nourishment by the ocean and dunes on Plum Island.
Leslie lived a full, colorful life that overflowed into her brilliant stained-glass creations. An accomplished artist, she brought light into people's lives and homes, creating masterpieces that displayed her limitless talent. Through her stained-glass business, Ways of Color, she also enriched hundreds of lives, braiding her art with her Occupational Therapy professional skills to give at-risk young adults and elderly folk hope and new purpose.
An avid skier, Leslie enjoyed exploring nature and appreciating its splendor. Boating with Gary was a favorite hobby, and she also loved hiking, camping, bicycling, walking, yoga and dancing. She made the best homemade pizza and pie crusts in town!
Living near the ocean brought Leslie joy and fed her spirit. She loved collecting shells, beach glass, driftwood, and other treasures that would become part of her imaginative creations. Leslie was smart, kept informed, and loved a good discussion. She was always the first to support creativity and entrepreneurship. She cherished seeing the growth of others and their successes. Day or night, she was always there to listen and offer advice, an opinion and love.
Leslie's memory and her love will surround us forever. She is a twinkling star in the vast open sky. Love to Infinity.
A Graveside Memorial Service is planned for Thursday, July 10, 2025 at 9:45a at Sharon Memorial Park, Sharon, Massachusetts and a remembrance gathering for family and friends to honor Leslie is planned for Thursday, July 10, 2025 from 2-4p at PITA Hall, Plum Island, Massachusetts.
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~ Arrangements Entrusted to F. S. Roberts & Son Funeral Home ~ To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Leslie A. Rosenthal Doherty, please visit our Tree Store.