Mary Louise Doherty, 84, Teacher, Veteran

Beloved first born of Charles & Helen (Cotter) Doherty on February 26, 1925, passed away at 84 years young, at her life long home in Medford, on July 20, 2009.

Known to those who loved her as “Auntie” or “The Colonel” she lived an extraordinary, accomplished and active life. Although she would never agree, she truly was a shining star in the realm of The Greatest Generation. She grew up in with a keen sense for sports and as a young girl met the “love of her life” Ted Williams. She was an avid golfer and played last week with friends at Indian Ridge C.C. She was a life long parishioner, graduate and extraordinary minister of St. Clement Parish.

She graduated from Fitchburg State College and commenced her career as a teacher in Europe and the Medford School District where she retired as Vice Principal of Robert’s Junior High School. She interrupted her teaching during the Korean War and enlisted in the Air Force. She served during the Korea War and continued with reserve duty and retired as one of the Air Force’s earliest female Colonels. She was a proud American and was always “Red White and Blue” in heart and spirit and insisted on buying only American made cars throughout her life.

She traveled extensively to exotic locals and especially enjoyed her Christmas in Bethlehem and Easter at The Vatican, and also her 80th birthday bash with dear friends and relatives in Las Vegas. After “retiring” she provided great companionship and care to her mother “Nell.”  She also served, in a then predominately male bastion, as a Board Member of the Medford Savings Bank.

Auntie is survived by her sister Joan H. Mahoney of Fairfield, Connecticut along with 10 beloved nieces and nephews and 12 grandnieces and nephews. Her beloved brother and fellow sports fan, Charles Doherty of Stoneham predeceased her in 2008. Calling hours will be held at the George L. Doherty Funeral Home, 855 Broadway (Powder House Sq) Somerville, Thursday morning 9:30 – 10:30am followed by a Funeral Mass of Christian burial at St. Clement’s Church, Medford at 11 AM. Interment Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford. In her honor all are encouraged to wear red, white and blue to the service. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Congregation of the Sisters of Saint Joseph, 637 Cambridge St. Brighton, MA 02135-2800.

Information courtesy Boston.com and George L. Doherty Funeral Home.