Theresa was preceded in death by her husband James “Mike” Dougherty, her grandchildren Michelle Dougherty and Stephen Herod, her parents John and Teresa Laurence and her siblings John, Joseph and Ellen Laurence. Theresa is survived by her children James Dougherty, Theresa Dougherty and Marie (Jay) Herod, her grandchildren Malana (Stephen) Jarzabek, Megan (Sean) Reilly, Matthew Petersen, Erica Petersen, Christopher Herod, Timothy (Emily) Herod and Caitlin (fiancée James Walsh) Herod, a great granddaughter Grace Herod, her sisters Patricia Marcolongo and Sister Irene Laurence and many nieces and nephews.
Theresa was born and raised in Philadelphia where she met and married her high school sweetheart Mike. They raised their family in Philadelphia and eventually Toms River, NJ. Theresa worked at Reynolds Brothers and Plas Plugs where she managed Accounts Receivable and Payable Departments.
Theresa has been a lifelong faithful member of the Catholic Church, and was an active member of St Luke’s Catholic Church. Theresa helped coordinate RCIA Programs, was a Eucharistic Minister and a member of the Rosary Altar Society. Theresa was a kind, caring person who always put her family first. She lived a long life full of wonderful experiences, a loving family, and many good friends. She was also blessed with compassionate caregivers throughout her illness.
Family and friends may visit from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, August 7, 2026 at D’Elia Funeral Home, 1300 Vermont Ave, Lakewood. Additional viewing hours will take place at the funeral home from 8:00 to 8:45 am on Saturday, August 8, 2026 which will be followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:00 am at St. Luke’s Church 1674 Old Freehold Rd, Toms River. Burial will immediately follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery 62 Cedar Grove Rd, Toms River.
Donations may be made in Theresa’s honor to the Alzheimer’s New Jersey Association 425 Eagle Rock Avenue, #203 Roseland, NJ 07068 Attn: Development Dept
