Rita Louise Dougherty

Rita Louise (Winkler) Dougherty, age 100, formerly of Reading, passed away peacefully on Thursday March 31, 2022 in ManorCare/Promedica, Sinking Spring. She was the wife of the late Dr. Joseph R. Dougherty who predeceased her in 1978, and was the daughter of the late William C. and Edna (Buckley) Winkler. Rita was born and raised in Reading, PA where she graduated Reading High School and later the Allentown Business School. Having lived all of her married life in Allentown she volunteered a lot of her time in the parish office of St. Thomas More Church. Rita loved being able to keep her watchful eye over her family and more than anything, she loved and enjoyed the visits of all the children in the family as she watched them grow up. She was also very creative and enjoyed mostly sewing and painting among all the other crafts that she did. In the late 90’s she returned to Reading. She was a 10 year resident at Sacred Heart Villa, Muhlenberg - a 3 year resident at Country Meadows in Wyomissing- and a 5 year resident at Manor Care in Sinking Spring. Rita is survived by her son, Robert J. husband to Gwen (Eichlin) Dougherty of Exeter Township and was predeceased by her son, William Dougherty. Rita has 2 grandchildren: R. Michael Dougherty, husband to Amy (Andrzjewski), and Kristen (Dougherty) wife of Joseph Galazin. Rita has two great grandsons: Matthew and Gabriel and her great granddaughter, Brenna. She is also survived by her sister Theresa (Winkler) wife of Attorney Ralph Althouse of Sinking Spring. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday April 6, 2022 at 11:00AM at St. Thomas More Church. Burial will be at the Resurrection Cemetery, Krock’s Road, Trexlertown, PA. In Lieu of flowers, Rita’s request was that donations be made to the St. Thomas More Church, 1040 Flexer Ave., Allentown, PA. 18103. Arrangements entrusted to the O’Donnell Funeral Home, Allentown.