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Williamsburg-Virginia Ann Dougherty was born on August 7, 1929, in Williamsburg, Iowa, the daughter of Clarence and Amanda (Long) Durr. She graduated from Williamsburg High School in 1947 and briefly attended Mercy School of Nursing in Iowa City. She was a life long resident of the Williamsburg communityVirginia was united in marriage to John Finnegan Jr. on February 26, 1949 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Parnell. To this union they were blessed with three children. They later divorced. Virginia married Dr. Keith Dougherty D.C. on January 8, 1974, at the First Presbyterian Church in Williamsburg. Virginia worked at the Parnell Elementary as a secretary for 10 years then she worked with her husband as a chiropractic assistant for many years. She enjoyed baking, cooking and throwing a great Christmas Eve party including the favorite Santa bags. She was also known for her love for caring for stray cats. Virginia died Friday, January 30, 2026, at MeadowView Memory Care in Cedar Rapids at the age of 96 years.
She is survived by her daughter, Sandra Ethridge; 7 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren and step children, Mike Dougherty,Van Dougherty and Linda Driscoll. She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, a daughter Shirley Peer, a son David Finnegan, a great grandchild, sisters, Marjorie Durr, Margaret Durr and Dorothy DeVoss and a brother Leighton Durr.
Per Virginia’s wishes there will be no service. Memorials may be given to Iowa County Safe Haven. Messages and tributes may be directed to www.powellfuneralhomes.com. Powell Funeral Home in Williamsburg is caring for Virginia and her family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
407 North Highland St. PO Box 269, Williamsburg, IA 52361

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