Jean M. Dougherty

Dougherty, Jean D. 86 and Elinor R. 87, formerly of Manchester, passed within days of each other.  Elinor, of Orange, CA, died Saturday, April 22nd.  Jean, of Simsbury, died Wednesday, April 26th.  The daughters of Edward and Carrie (Kirtland), born in Hartford on April 12, 1937 and October 20, 1935.

Jean is survived by her daughter, Suzanne Frigon of Simsbury, her husband Ted, and grandsons Gerard and Nicholas.  She was 8 days predeceased by her son Steve Jenkins, of Bucyrus, KS, and is survived by his wife Kathy and grandson Matthew.  She also leaves to mourn her cousins Carolyn Phillips, and Robb and Ray Vogt, numerous nieces and nephews, and a life-long dear friend, Beve Burton of Vernon.

Jean graduated from Manchester High School, class of ’55.  She held various positions with the Traveler’s, and after her return to Connecticut in 1985 worked for United HealthCare. Jean was an avid gardener, accomplished seamstress, and mother extraordinaire. She spent many hours at the Manchester Senior Center, playing Mah Jongg, exercising, gardening, and participating in the Mother’s Day flower sale. She made over a dozen quilts for servicepersons through the Quilts of Valor program.  And she made hundreds of quilts for Project Linus, which supplies children in crisis with a blanket all their own.  With a sharp wit and a ready smile, she was adored by those who knew her.

A visitation and brief service will be held at Holmes Funeral Home, 400 Main Street, Manchester, on Tuesday, May 2nd, from 4 to 6pm.  As per her wishes, Jean will be scattered at sea, from the cockpit of Fish Tank, by her daughter and family on a bright, warm, sunny day, off the coast of Block Island.

In lieu of flowers, plant a tree or bush that each and every spring will bring her to mind, take a walk outside and appreciate the beauty that is all around you, hug the ones you love just a little harder, while you still have them to hug. 

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