Andrea Katherine Doherty

Andrea Katherine Doherty, LHS

November 21, 1941 – August 30, 2026

Andrea Doherty, a devoted mother, grandmother, accomplished entrepreneur, and Dame of the Holy Sepulchre, passed away peacefully at her home in Collierville, Tennessee, surrounded by the love of her family. She was 84 years old.

Born on November 21, 1941, in Kells, County Meath, Ireland, Andrea was the cherished only child of the late Una and Donal Kinna. In 1950, the Kinna family immigrated to the United States, arriving in New York City and proudly capturing the American dream by soon after becoming naturalized citizens. Andrea grew up in and around New York City, graduating from White Plains High School. Showing an early knack for adapting to a changing world, she stepped into the workforce just as computers were entering the business mainstream. Her exceptional typing skills launched a successful career at International Business Machines (IBM) in White Plains, while she resided in the Bronx.

It was during this time that mutual friends introduced Andrea to a fellow Irish immigrant, Joseph Edward Doherty, of Carndonagh, County Donegal. Joseph had left the Irish Army to serve his new country in the United States Air Force as a communications expert, later contributing to the historic Gemini Program at Cape Canaveral. Distance only strengthened their bond; the couple fell deeply in love through a series of heartfelt love letters. They were married on July 28, 1962, in Carndonagh, Ireland.

Their early marriage was an adventure, taking them to a military station in Germany before Joseph received his honorable discharge. Returning to the Bronx, Joseph began working for New York Telephone, later transitioning to a career with Trans World Airlines (TWA), which prompted a move to Queens Village. It was during these years that they welcomed their two children, Paul, born on December 7, 1964, and Erin Anne, born on February 21, 1968.

In 1965, the family moved to East Meadow, New York, which would be their home for over three decades. Andrea was a wonderful, present mother who also possessed a vibrant entrepreneurial spirit. Over the years, she built accomplished careers in real estate sales, Irish product importing, and antique appraisals. She was deeply woven into the fabric of her local community and active in her home parish, St. Raphael’s Catholic Church.

Following the tragic events of September 11, 2001, Andrea and Joseph relocated to Collierville, Tennessee. There, Andrea found a spiritual home at the Catholic Church of the Incarnation, where her faith flourished into a profound legacy of service. Alongside her beloved husband, she raised funds and helped install many of the church’s beautiful stained-glass features, as well as the complete Stations of the Cross. She was a mainstay in her Prayer Group and dedicated her time to bringing the Eucharist to others every Sunday and assisting with the Anointing of the Sick.

Outside of her home and local parish, Andrea’s deepest spiritual devotion was to the Holy Land and the universal Church. She was invested as a Dame of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, a prestigious papal honor recognizing her lifetime of faith, charity, and commitment to supporting the Christian presence in the Holy Land. As a Dame of the USA Southeastern Lieutenancy, she carried out her duties with immense humility, grace, and love. Her family takes great comfort in knowing that she has now entered the heavenly Jerusalem she spent her life honoring.

Andrea was also fiercely patriotic and became affectionately known in her community as “The Flag Lady.” She spent countless hours collecting worn and damaged American flags. With meticulous care, she would cut out the stars and place them into small plastic bags accompanied by a printed card reading: “I am part of our American Flag that flew over a house in Tennessee. I can no longer fly. In the sun and the wind, I have been tattered and torn but not forgotten. You are not forgotten! Please carry me as a reminder.” Through her hands, thousands of these stars were distributed to veterans, first responders, and citizens across the nation, ensuring they knew they were valued.

Following the passing of her beloved Joseph, Andrea focused her boundless love on her children and grandchildren, taking immense joy in nurturing her grandchildren's spiritual growth. She wore her Irish heritage with fierce pride but embraced her American citizenship with equal honor. Andrea leaves behind a lasting legacy of faith, pride, and the true grace of a lady. She will be profoundly missed.

She is survived by her loving children, Paul Doherty and Erin Anne Doherty-Helmers; her Son-In-Law Keith Helmers and her Daughter-In-Law Jessie Doherty, her four adored grandchildren Kevin, Emma, Daniel and Thomas, who absolutely treasured her; and a community of extended family, brother Knights, sister Dames, and friends both in America and Ireland.

A burial ceremony will take place at The Cemetery of the Holy Rood, Westbury, New York at her families plot at a date to be determined.