Jacqueline Marie Doherty

ATHOL, Mass. – Jacqueline “Jackie” Marie Doherty heartbreakingly died in a fire on Sept. 7, 2023, at her residence in Athol, Mass.

Born on Nov. 23, 1960, in Boston, she was the first child of John C. Doherty and Ann Marie (McHugh) Doherty. The family moved from Massachusetts to Waterville, with three young toddlers Jackie, Chuck, and Maureen. Jackie attended Waterville schools and graduated from Waterville High School in 1979. She received her BS of Cell and Molecular Biology from the University of Vermont in 1983, followed by her PhD in 1990. Very proud milestone for her!

She was a dedicated employee at Mass Eye and Ear (formerly Schepens Eye Research Institute) for over 25 years traveling three-hours per day round trip to work. After Covid’s arrival in 2020, Jackie worked remotely, so she really looked forward to the luncheons with her coworkers that had been happening for a few months.

Many who knew Jackie knew one thing for certain; she was a huge cat lover. When she wasn’t busy looking after her furry family, Jackie spent a lot of time volunteering at her church St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Athol, Mass. She served as a Eucharistic Minister and Catechism teacher. She expressed her devout faith while also helping others in need, recently collecting, and distributing shoes. She had a passion for traveling, gardening, supporting the Boston Red Sox, Celtics, and the Patriots. Her favorite places to visit were the holy sites of Israel, Jerusalem, Rome, and Italy. She was so thrilled to get baptized in the Jordan River. Jackie was planning a trip to Ireland in the fall.

In her later years, she aspired to become a nurse. She completed several courses, however due to other priorities in her life was never able to accomplish this ambition. Ever since Jackie was young, she loved the Peanuts cartoons. Snoopy was her favorite and her collection of memorabilia was extensive. A family joke was that she resembled Peppermint Patty. She loved to laugh, and her innocent sense of humor and “Jackie” grin were priceless.

She was known for her ability to sense when people needed her help, a trait inherited from her mother, Ann Marie Doherty. She will be fondly remembered for her limitless acts of kindness and selflessness towards her friends and strangers, but her greatest love was her family. She loved coming home to Waterville for the holidays, often making the round trip in one day. To know her was to be loved by her. If you said I love you, she always replied “love you more”.

She is survived by her mother Ann Marie Doherty. She is also survived by her five siblings Charles R. Doherty of Waterville, Maureen McCann (John) of Oakland, Kevin R. Doherty (Soraya) of Westwood, Mass., Sean Doherty (Jordan) and Kathleen Hubert of Scarborough.

Although Jackie did not have children of her own, so she doted on her seven nephews and nieces: Shea (godson), Taylor, Lillie Marie, Morgan (goddaughter), Kevin Michael, Veda, and Maren. She expressed her love unconditionally and was a very proud aunt attending their birthdays, communions, graduations, and other special occasions. She was immensely loved by them too.

She is also survived by her Uncle Richard Doherty (Joan), Aunt Tish Doherty, first cousins Christine Bevilacqua (David), Rick Doherty (Lori) and Matt Doherty (fiancé Lauren Silvia) as well as several second cousins Caelan, Sara, Gia, Shian, Ashtynn, Logan, and Nolan. She will be sadly missed by her longtime friend and colleague Marie Shatos who was present at the home when the fire occurred. She escaped the fire with non-life-threatening injuries.

She was predeceased by her father John C. Doherty and several other family members.

Jackie’s death has left an enormous hole in her family and her memory and shining light will be forever in their hearts.

Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, Mass., is assisting the family.

A funeral mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, October 28, at 11 a.m., at St. Francis Assisi Catholic Church at 101 Main Street, Athol, Mass., 01331. A reception will follow at the church to celebrate Jackie’s life.

A memorial mass will be celebrated on Saturday, November 25, at 11 a.m., at Notre Dame at 116 Silver Street, Waterville. A private burial for the immediate family at St. Francis Cemetery will follow the mass. A reception will follow at the church to celebrate Jackie’s life.

The family suggests in lieu of flowers please donate in Jackie’s memory to the Waterville Humane Society or

St. Francis Assisi

Catholic Church.