Mrs. Colleen E. Doherty, of Medford, passed away peaceful following a brief illness, with her family by her side, April 12, 2018, at the Winchester Hospital. She was 81 years of age. Colleen was the beloved wife of the late Edward A. "Ned" Doherty, Jr. Born in Fall River, she was the daughter of the late Thomas P. and Lillian (Harvey) Donnelly.
Colleen was raised and educated in Fall River. Shortly following her marriage to her beloved Ned, the young couple settled in Medford and began their family and have been Medford residents ever since. She worked for several years with the New England Telephone Company but once the children started arriving she devoted herself to her growing family and all of their needs. Colleen’s life was centered around her strong Catholic faith and her family. She taught CCD classes at the Immaculate Conception Church in Malden for many years. She will fondly be remembered for her love of gardening, being a veracious reader, hosting holidays for her family, and always willing to be there and help care for her adored grandchildren. Colleen was happiest when she was surrounded by those she loved.
In addition to her late husband and parents, Colleen is sadly predeceased by her daughter, Megan Grava, and brothers, Thomas, Harvey and Gerald Donnelly.
She is lovingly survived by her children, Moira Lawlor and her husband Joseph of Medford, Merrill Ragusa of Medford, Edward A. Doherty III and his wife Christine of Stoneham, Thomas Doherty of Medford, son-in-law Eric Grava of Lynnfield. She is also survived by thirteen loving grandchildren and two loving great grandchildren and is further survived by many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held from the McLaughlin - Dello Russo Family Funeral Home, 60 Pleasant St., WOBURN, Wednesday, April 18th, at 10 a.m. followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Raphael Church, 514 High St., Medford, at 11 a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m. Interment services will be private. It has been requested that in lieu of flowers contributions may be made on her behalf to support her grandson Brian Lawlor who will be running in the 121st Boston Marathon to raise funds for the Cardinal Cushing Centers that host programs for students with intellectual disabilities. To contribute please visit www.crowdrise.com/o/en/campaign/cccboston2018/brianlawlor