Betty was born in Chicago, Illinois to Hans and Eleanor Nielsen. Betty's passion in life was music. She became an accomplished soloist with her beautiful voice and loved to sing whenever possible. Betty was married to Mack Dougherty in 1949 and together they traveled to San Diego and made their home here for 45 years. Betty was a loyal and honored member of Golden K Kiwanis of La Mesa and the Lake Murray Kiwanis of San Diego. Betty enjoyed traveling, especially on cruise ships where she told everyone "this is my favorite way of being pampered." Her travels included Europe, Alaska and Hawaii. Betty's greatest joy was her dog "Lillie".
Betty's life will be honored with a memorial service on Monday, May 21, 2012 at Funeraria Del Angel Humphrey at 11:00 a.m. in the Rose chapel. Reverend Mary Allman-Boyle from the First United Church of San Diego, where Betty and Mack attended,
will officiate her service. She will be laid to rest at Glen Abbey Memorial Park in Bonita, California.
