Marion Isabelle Dougherty

Born June 21, 1934, in Philadelphia, PA, to the late Isabelle and Joseph Dooley, and raised in Oaklyn, NJ, Marion lived a remarkable life that influenced her family and friends as a loving wife, mother, big sister, grandmother, and many other roles. She graduated from Collingswood High School in 1952 where she excelled in academics and enjoyed playing on the field hockey team. She was a Lieutenant in the Oaklyn, NJ marching band color guard. After graduation Marion attended Abington Hospital School of Nursing. While at Collingswood HS, she met the love of her life, Byron K. Dougherty. She and Byron were destined to be married and start a family, raising seven children in Mantua, NJ. Their marriage lasted just shy of 50 years when Byron passed away in 2003.

As a proud mother, Marion managed the large household and provided a structured and loving environment where the children knew she would always be there for them. She was known for her unwavering dedication to her family. Marion and Byron created countless memories with their family, usually involving sports, camping, the seashore, and the back yard pool. As the children grew older, Marion entered the workforce as a retail sales associate working for Sears, Roebuck and Co. In 1984, she and Byron moved to Houston, TX for a short stint before retired and moved to Estes Park, Colorado in 1989.

Marion enjoyed living in the mountains of Colorado, where she worked at The Spruce House Christmas Store. She loved showing everyone the joy of Christmas year-round. Marion will be fondly remembered for giving unique Christmas ornaments to her family and friends. Marion and Byron were part of a group that devoted their time and effort to establish Shephard of the Mountains Lutheran Church. She and Byron served in many roles such as supporting the construction of a new church building and establishing the SMLC Columbarium. Marion was well known for being devoted to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In 2016 Marion moved from Estes Park to Colorado Springs, where she lived the remainder of her long and tremendous life.

Marion is survived by her two brothers, Joseph “Butch” Dooley, Jr. (Stephanie), and Lawrence “Lonny” Dooley (Mary Anne); her children Janet (Dougherty) Walder (Michael), Stephen Dougherty (Karol), David Dougherty (Joyce), Paul Dougherty, Judy (Dougherty) McIlvaine (late husband Rob), and Glenn Dougherty (Lindsay); 18 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Byron and son Richard.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be sent to Shepherd of the Mountains, 2000 Ptarmigan Trail, Estes Park, CO 80517.

An interment of ashes ceremony for Marion and Byron will be held on May 18th at Shepherd of the Mountains Lutheran Church in Estes Park, Colorado. A celebration of life will be held in New Jersey on a later date.