Katherine B Dougherty

Katherine B. Dougherty, 85, passed away Tuesday May 4, 2021 at Valley Baptist Medical Center Harlingen.

Katherine was born August 23, 1935 in Queens, New York. During her time as a nurse, she met her husband Dr. Joseph C. Dougherty. She would take leave from her career to raise their four children William, Suzanne, Timothy, and Laura. Once their children were self-sufficient, Katherine returned to work and expanded her education, earning her Masters and Doctorate of Education. She would put her experience and knowledge to use as an longtime educator in nursing at the University of Texas Brownsville and Texas Southmost College (now University of Texas Rio Grande Valley) ultimately retiring as the Interim-Chair of the Department of Nursing. Strong in their faith, Katherine and Joseph were longtime members of the St. Anthony’s Catholic Church community.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Joseph C. Dougherty (2017), son William R. Dougherty (2013), daughter Laura E. Dougherty (2015), and daughter Suzanne V. Dougherty (2016). She is survived by her son Timothy J. Dougherty and grandson Brian P. Arriola and his wife Elizabeth C. Arriola, and great-granddaughter Avery Katherine Arriola all of Harlingen.

The Dougherty family will receive relatives and friends on Friday May 7, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Buck Ashcraft San Benito Funeral Home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday May 8, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Anthonys Catholic Church with Rev. Alejandro Flores as the Celebrant. Interment will follow at Mont Meta Memorial Park.

The family would like to thank Dr. James Castillo II M.D. and the doctors and nurses of Valley Baptist Medical Center Harlingen for their commendable care.

In lieu of flowers the family request memorial donations be made to the charity of your choice.