ANDOVER – Carolyn A. Dougherty, 81, went home to be with her Lord on Thursday (May 20, 2021) at Strong Memorial Hospital.
Mrs. Dougherty was born on June 26, 1939 in Corning to Carl V. and Nina R. (Howe) Clarke. She was a 1957 graduate of Andover Central School. On July 27, 1957, at Blessed Sacrament Church in Andover, she married Charles A. Dougherty, who predeceased her on May 27, 2016.
Carolyn dedicated her life to the care of her husband and seven children in the house that was built by her great grandfather in 1854.
Carolyn is survived by four sons, Charles P. (Patricia) Dougherty, Patrick C. (Theresa) Dougherty and John (Sherry) Dougherty, all of Andover and Edward C. Dougherty of Reading, Pa.; one daughter, Susan E. (Chester) Norton of Whitesville; one brother-in-law, William Dougherty of Elmira: one sister-in-law, Sally Dougherty of Wellsville; thirteen grandchildren, Cayla DeJesus, Maggie Dougherty, Jason Burns, Matthew Burns, Lily Norton, Grace Norton, Daniel Dougherty, Jordan Dougherty, Arianne Dougherty, Ryan Dougherty, Brandon Dougherty, Camryn Dougherty and Alexis Ann Dougherty; 12 great grandchildren; a very special caregiver, Katie Cleveland; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to her husband Charlie, she was predeceased by two sons, Anthony J. Dougherty and Mark Thomas Dougherty and two brothers-in law, John Dougherty and Robert Dougherty.
Carolyn had a life-long love for music. She began playing piano at the age of 4 and when she turned a teenager, her father bought her a piano shortly before his passing. In the early years, she played for personal comfort and later she used her talent at both the piano and organ at Blessed Sacrament Church for Sunday services and the Andover Ecumenical Choir. She loved the Monday night practices and made many great friends there.
Carolyn enjoyed cooking and baking, which proved to be a useful combination in raising a large family and hosting many family gatherings. She adored her grandchildren. Carolyn also enjoyed the quiet and private life on the hill and often extended her gracious hospitality to her many friends that would stop by for a cup of tea or coffee and any baked deserts that happened to be at hand.
Carolyn loved the role of being a farmer’s wife. She grew up on the farm and knew the determined mindset it took to handle the daily tasks that needed to be done. She never complained and expected the same toughness in her family. She took great pride in her registered Holsteins.
There will be a time of visitation at the family homestead from 2-7 p.m. on Monday (May 24). The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Church in Andover. Burial will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Andover.
Arrangements are under the direction of Baker-Swan Funeral Home in Andover. Online condolences may be offered at www.baker-swan.com.
Memorial contributions in Carolyn’s name can be made to Comfort House of Allegany County, 141 East State Street, Wellsville, NY 14895. © 2021 Baker-Swan Funeral Home.
