Mary A Dougherty

Mary A. Dougherty, 93, of Raleigh, NC, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Wednesday, August 19, 2026. Formerly of Silver Spring, MD, she had lived in Raleigh for the past 14 years. Born September 9, 1932, in Nanty-Glo, PA, Mary was the daughter of the late Severo and Nellie Patarini. A devoted mother to four children, Mary’s family was at the heart of her life. She loved people and had a gift for making others feel welcome, often greeting someone with her familiar words, “I love your smile.” Her faith and love of music were also central to her life. Blessed with a beautiful soprano voice, she sang in church and community choirs for decades and remained active in her church choir well into her 80s. She was frequently invited to sing at weddings, community events, and performances of the National Anthem. Singing brought Mary tremendous joy and was one of the many ways she shared her faith and her gifts with others.

Survivors include her son, Kevin E. Dougherty (Susan) of Raleigh, NC; her daughters, Marianne Dougherty of Vienna, VA, Nancy Ghanayem (Danny) of Monrovia, MD, and Eileen Dougherty of Front Royal, VA; her grandchildren, Michael Dougherty (Jennie) of Durham, NC, Katelyn Daniel (Jude) of London, UK, Kelsey Plummer (Jared) of Raleigh, NC, Matthew and Erica Reisinger of Front Royal, VA, and Luke Ghanayem (Mary) of Frederick, MD; and her cherished great-grandchildren, Matthias and Eliana Daniel, Jonah and Leah Plummer, Blythe and Celeste Dougherty, and Elijah Ghanayem. In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 57 years, Edward F. Dougherty, in 2010, and her brothers, Morris and Joseph Patarini.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at 10:00 am at St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church, 12333 Bayleaf Church Road, Raleigh, NC 27614.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mary’s memory to the Alzheimer's Association through her tribute page.