Thomas & Marsha Dougherty

Thomas (Tom) Edward Dougherty, 76, and Marsha Bridges Dougherty, 74, of Indianapolis, passed away peacefully within days of one another: Tom on March 26, 2026, and Marsha on March 31, 2026. Their passing is a heartfelt testament to a 40-year union built on deep friendship, mutual respect, and an inseparable bond that ensured they were not long apart.

Tom was born December 11, 1949, in Beech Grove, Indiana, and grew up in Franklin Township, graduating from Franklin Central High School. Marsha, a native Floridian, was one of nine siblings born to the late Mary and Lamar Bridges, Sr.

The couple married in 1986 and spent many years together in the northern Atlanta, Georgia area. Tom was a highly successful businessman, serving for twenty years as a Director of Brother International before launching his own successful firm. Marsha dedicated her life to medicine and caring for others, working as a Triage Nurse at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta and later as an Administrator for a home healthcare service in Marietta. Her career was defined by a steady hand and a heart for healing.

In their later years, they worked side-by-side in a lucrative real estate business before Tom made the heartfelt decision to return to Indianapolis to be closer to his siblings and mother. As Marsha’s health declined due to Alzheimer’s disease, Tom embodied commitment, navigating the complexities of caregiving with devotion. His journey served as a final testament to the strength of their relationship and the beauty of enduring love.

Tom and Marsha truly enjoyed life, traveling often, playing golf, and cherishing the company of numerous friends. Above all, they were devoted to their family.

They were preceded in death by their son, Gregory Dougherty; Tom’s parents, Norman and Lois Dougherty; Marsha’s parents; and Tom’s sister, Debra Viles.

Their legacy lives on through their daughter, Shelly (Steve) Friend of Acworth, Georgia; daughter-in-law, Jennifer Dougherty; and their cherished grandchildren, Luke Friend, Lindsay and Anna Dougherty, and Will and Ashlyn Gresham, all of whom they were extremely proud and loved dearly. Tom is also survived by his brother, Ron Dougherty, and sisters, Darleen (Ron) Liebert and Terry (John) Burris.

Services for Tom and Marsha will be held at a later date. In honor of their journey together, the family suggests that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Meals on Wheels. Condolences may be forwarded to their daughter, Shelly Friend.