Dorothy Marilene Dougherty

Dorothy M. Dougherty of Longmont, passed away March 14, 2012 at the Sterling House. She was 98. Dorothy was born on May 31, 1913 in Logan, Kansas to Daniel O’Connell and Carrie Albright O’Connell. The family moved to Boulder, Colorado while she was a young girl.

Dorothy studied at the University of Colorado where she earned a Masters Degree in Foreign Languages. She first taught at Erie High School and then at Pueblo Junior College. She left teaching when she married Ray Dougherty on December 18, 1937. The young couple settled near Longmont where Ray’s family lived, and began farming. They also raised their family in the Longmont area.

Dorothy was a member of the First Congregational Church, AAUW, PEO and Questers, a club of antiques and history enthusiasts. She enjoyed bridge and her bridge clubs for many years. Dorothy and Ray were active members of the Horseless Carriage Club of America (HCCA) and Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) and enjoyed many antique car tours with the clubs in virtually every region of the country. These activities resulted in many treasured friendships.

In 1977, the family opened the Dougherty Museum on their farm south of Longmont to properly display Dorothy and Ray’s collection of antique automobiles, farm equipment and memorabilia. Dorothy continued to be present at the museum on many weekends until just this past year. She took great pleasure in visiting with the museum visitors and sharing some of the history of the exhibited items. Also in her later years, she looked forward to every wheat harvest on the family farm near Arriba, CO

Preceding her in death are her husband; and four brothers Ed, Floyd, Chet, and Leo O’Connell. Surviving are her daughter Marilyn (Jim) Litzenberger of Longmont, sons Doug (Karen) of Longmont and Mike (Sherry) Dougherty of Berthoud; 4 grandchildren Debbie (Brian) Carlson, Tim Litzenberger, Matt (Lisa) Dougherty; and Peter Dougherty; 3 great grandchildren Ryne and Adam Templeman and Olivia Dougherty; and a sister, Mary Erickson. Survivors also include a number of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, March 19 at the Howe Mortuary Chapel. Interment will follow at Longmont Mountain View Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the HospiceCare of Boulder and Broomfield Counties, 2594 Trailridge Drive East, Suite A, Lafayette, CO 80026.