Marie Joan Doherty

Marie J. Doherty, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 17, 2026, in Charleston, South Carolina, at the age of 83.

Born on October 14,1942, in Boston, Massachusetts, Marie was the daughter of Joseph and Mildred Grady.

Marie’s life was defined by compassion, service, and quiet strength. She graduated from Sacred Heart High School in 1959 and earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Boston College in 1964. Throughout her dedicated career, she provided exceptional care to countless patients, whether in their homes with the Boston Visiting Nurse Association or in long-term care and hospital settings.

Marie proudly served at several Veterans Affairs Hospitals, including those in Augusta, Maine, and Durham and Asheville, North Carolina, where she worked in Medical-Surgical and Intensive Care units. She completed her career at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Hospital in Charleston, South Carolina, retiring in 2012 after finally transitioning into telehealth—continuing to support patients with the same dedication and empathy that defined her work for decades.

Marie loved her family. She is survived by her devoted and beloved husband, Jim Doherty; her children, James Doherty and his wife Kristen Valdez-Doherty, Michael Doherty Rothenberg and his wife Jillian Rothenberg Doherty, and her daughter Jeanette DeBruhl and her husband Dwayne DeBruhl. She was a proud grandmother to Mia and Delcan Doherty, who brought her great joy. Marie is also survived by her siblings, Kathleen St. Germain, Teresa Lemieux, Ellen Grady, JoAnn Blanchette, and Joseph Grady.

Marie was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Mildred Grady.

Marie found happiness in simple pleasures. She had a special love for gardening, often rescuing overlooked plants from nursery sale racks and patiently nursing them back to health—a reflection of her nurturing nature. She enjoyed reading the newspaper, working on jigsaw puzzles, and spending time by the water, where she found peace and contentment.

Those who knew Marie will remember her as kind, observant, and deeply thoughtful. Though she could seem reserved, those closest to her cherished her quick wit, humor, and steady presence. She was a great listener, a caregiver, and a source of calm and wisdom, but also just fun. Marie’s legacy of compassion, dedication, and love will live on in all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her memory will be forever cherished, and her life will continue to inspire.

A private Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held for family and close friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests you consider purchasing a plant for your garden or your home in honor of Marie. 

If you wish to make a donation in her name please consider The National Kidney Foundation or the South Carolina ETV endowment, which was her local and favorite PBS station. 

https://www.kidney.org/?campaign=497078

https://etvendowment.thankyou4caring.org