Theodora Marie Dougherty

Theo was born in Duryea, Pennsylvania on March 13, 1937, with her twin brother Bernard. She grew up on Foote Avenue across from the Little League Athletic fields with her parents Edward and Sophia; four brothers, Ed, John, Bernard and Billy, who preceded her in death, and one younger sister, Claire, with whom she remained close her entire life. Theo graduated from Kings County Hospital Nursing School in Brooklyn, New York, where she met her husband.

She had her first daughter Elizabeth in Princeton, New Jersey. Her son Brian was born shortly after the family moved to Charleston, SC in 1964. Theo lived the rest of her life in West Ashley. She had her younger daughter Jennifer in 1972 when the family lived on Lampton Rd in Harrison Acres.

Through those years, the family attended Blessed Sacrament parish. Later, as a single parent, Theo and Jennifer moved to a townhouse near Ashley River Rd and began attending St. Joseph's parish.

She spent her nursing career as a Labor and Delivery nurse with St. Francis Hospital at both downtown and West Ashley locations. In retirement, she traveled with friends, visited relatives and explored the world. Theo moved to Assisted Living at Brookdale during COVID and spent her last days at Ashley Gardens Alzheimer's Special Care Center.

During her many years living in West Ashley, Theo enjoyed many activities including playing Bridge with her fellow moms of Blessed Sacrament and Harrison Acres; quilting with the St. Joseph's women's group, exercising at the West Ashley Seniors Center, and enjoying social events with all of her friends at Parents Without Partners.

She loved to Shag dance and always enjoyed going to the beach at both Folly and Kiawah. She remained very close to her oldest daughter's family in Charleston with whom she regularly attended celebrations and holidays. Her favorite holiday dish was Ambrosia, for which she was most famous.

While many of her closest friends passed away before her over the years, Theo remained eternally grateful towards her lifelong friendship with Ginny and Bill Fitzpatrick, who were there for her during so many times over her life. She also had a special place in her heart for her special boyfriend Josh.

Theo had a wonderful laugh and enjoyed getting to know others. She was very good at asking inquisitive questions and taking an interest in all of her friends and relatives. She rarely met a stranger. During her years in Assisted Living, she made many new friends, loved playing Rumikub, and never missed a party. She won many costume contests each year. She loved to keep in touch and chat on the phone and always held a special interest in all of her seven grandchildren and two great-granddaughters. She loved to hear about and chat with them regarding their adventures and experiences.

She had a long, wonderful life, was a friend to so many, and will be remembered by all with fond memories of a life well lived and enjoyed.

Theo is survived by her sister: Claire Yuhas (Paul); children: Elizabeth Dougherty McGee (Gary French); Brian Dougherty (Julie) & Jennifer Dougherty; grandsons: Richard McGee, Owen Dougherty, Gabriel French, Liam Dougherty; granddaughters: Sarah Frances (Sassy) Dougherty, Emily & Katherine Wimberly; great granddaughters: Lauren & Alaina McGee; and 5 nephews & 6 nieces.

A full mass service will be held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church on Monday, July 20, 2026 at 11AM.

In gratitude for such loving care provided to Theo, the family requests that donations be made to: Nami, Crescent Hospice of Charleston & The Sunshine Community at Ashley Gardens.