Michelle Denise Dougherty

1975 - 2024

After meticulously outlining and planning to attend her own celebration of life, Michelle Dougherty stepped out early and RSVPs her regrets. This is probably for the best, since some of her plans for her own funeral included a conga line, mimes, and a baby Jell-O wrestling pit. Yes, there's proof. Those who know her can attest to her serious commitment to not taking life seriously.

Without actually meaning to, Michelle worked right up until the end of her life. Oops. She loved working in aviation at United Airlines, where she was a Corporate Customer Care Representative for 13 years (and 13 years before that at Lufthansa). While at United, she was repeatedly rewarded for her excellence, yet it was excellence and not rewards that motivated her.

A couple of days before her graduation from Sam Houston State University in August 2022, Michelle was diagnosed with aggressive cancer, which she fought tooth and nail even as she crammed as many experiences and as much love as she could in the time she had left.

Michelle had quite a collection of family, leaving behind her husband and soul mate Scott Dougherty; son Ryan Chambers; daughters Sarah, Emma, and Anna Schiff; and daughters Darian Becerra-Dougherty and Allison Dougherty; as well as her parents, six grandchildren, and four siblings.

Chances are that she's in heaven sipping a cold Dr. Pepper while eating a barbacoa taco and listening to some banging tunes. She taught us all about courage, grace, and humor, and the world was richer for having her in it. We will dearly miss her.