Obituary of Margaret S. Doherty
December 28, 1935 – February 12, 2025
Margaret S. Doherty, age 89, passed away peacefully at her home in Green Brook, New Jersey, on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Known as ‘Marge’ to family and friends, she was a woman of kindness, grace, and wit who devoted her life to her family.
Marge was born on December 28, 1935, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Andrew and Anna Sulon. She was the younger sister to brothers Andrew and William who predeceased her. She was raised in Philadelphia and graduated from Olney High School before continuing her education at secretarial school, which led to her employment at the Atlantic Richfield Company in Philadelphia. In later years, Marge would come to work for the Green Brook Township Board of Education.
It was while on vacation with friends that Marge met the love of her life, John B. Doherty. Their connection was instant, and their love quickly blossomed. After their wedding in 1959, Marge and John began a beautiful life together, raising their four children with love, guidance, and unwavering support.
Early in their forty-six-year marriage, Marge and John lived in Jacksonville, Florida, before moving to Somerville, New Jersey. In 1963, they built a home in Green Brook, New Jersey, where Marge lived for more than six decades, filling the house with warmth, love, and cherished traditions.
Marge had a deep appreciation for the arts. She was an avid reader of all genres, and with her eye for beauty and detail, she enjoyed taking photographs and sketching. She was a classic film buff, introduced at an early age to cinema by her brothers, each of whom were ushers at their local theater. She nurtured her love of animals with visits to sanctuaries and generous donations to nonprofit animal organizations. She delighted in birdwatching and found great comfort in the companionship of her cherished cats.
After retirement, Marge traveled extensively with her husband, making trips to Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, South America, and across Europe. Yet no matter how far she traveled, home was where her heart remained, and she created a warm and welcoming space for family and friends.
Marge was known for her quick wit and charm. She passed on her sense of humor to all of her children and the laughter she shared with each of them will be one of the enduring memories for the family. She also possessed a kindness that was felt in her every interaction and a sweetness that left a lasting impact on those who knew her.
Faith was an important part of Marge’s life. A devout Roman Catholic, she was a founding parishioner of St. Luke’s Roman Catholic Church in North Plainfield, New Jersey. Her faith provided her with strength and comfort throughout her life.
Marge was predeceased by her beloved husband, John B. Doherty, who passed away in 2005. She leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories with her four children: Margie Doherty, John Doherty and his wife Tanya, Terry Doherty and her husband Will Horne, and Annie Doherty. She was a proud and loving grandmother to her five grandsons: Carlo Morelli, Jake Londin, Cole Londin, Andrew Doherty, and Alexei Doherty.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, March 6th, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung, NJ. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, March 7th, 2025, at 9:30 a.m., at St. Luke's R.C. Church, 300 Clinton Avenue, North Plainfield, NJ. Marge will be laid to rest beside her husband at Somerset Hills Memorial Park, 95 Mount Airy Road, Basking Ridge, NJ.
In honor of Marge’s memory, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association to support research and those affected by the disease.
Marge’s life was one of love, joy, and unwavering devotion to her family. Though she will be deeply missed, her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.
