Obituary of Margaret Mary Doherty

It is with great sadness the family of Margaret Mary Doherty announces that she passed away peacefully in the early morning of April 14, 2020 at Shannex - Frederick Hall, Fredericton. Margaret was married to the love of her life Harold Francis Doherty for 58 years. Born in South Branch Kent Co. NB, on April 4, 1923, she was the first child of Daniel and Annie (Connors) Shortall. Margaret graduated from the New Brunswick Normal School in 1942 and taught in several places in New Brunswick, including the school her younger sibling attended. She married Harold in 1946 after he returned from overseas and they raised their family. She was the first woman to serve on the Fredericton Board of School Trustees before returning to teaching, first as a Supply Teacher then in a permanent position at Montgomery and retiring as Vice Principal of Priestman Street School. She was often greeted with love and respect from students she had taught. She was a dedicated member of the St. Dunstan’s CWL for over 70 years, a member of the DECH Auxiliary and the NB Retired Teachers. While Harold was Fire Chief, she was also an active member of the Ladies’ Auxiliary of the New Brunswick, Maritime and Canadian Fire Chiefs Associations. She leaves behind a large extended family to celebrate the wonderful woman she was, including her daughter Maureen Murray (Tom); sons Daniel (Sandra), David (Connie), and Dennis (Laura); grandchildren Tangelene Ramsey (Scott), Cary Norquay (Rod), Ryan Doherty, Denny Doherty, Joseph Doherty and Simon Doherty; step-grandchildren Kerrie Hallett (Jason), Stephanie Murray, Rob Murray and Scott Murray. As well, she was blessed with several great-grandchildren whom she adored. She also leaves behind her sisters Mary Wood and Kay Brown; brother Paul Shortall (Mary); sister-in-law Phyllis Shortall. She will be greatly missed by her many nieces, nephews and friends. In addition to her parents and her husband, Margaret is predeceased by daughter-in-law Linda Doherty; her precious grandson Jason Doherty; sister Helen Bushey and her husband Manuel; sister Ruth Grattan and her husband George; brother James Shortall and his wife Mabel; brother Raymond Shortall; brother-in-law William Wood; and brother-in-law Thomas Brown. The family sends their deepest and sincerest Thank you to the wonderful, caring staff at Frederick Hall who were by her side over her last days praying with her and keeping her comfortable. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Fredericton Veteran’s unit, Hospice Fredericton or to the charity of your choice. Due to the present restrictions, a funeral mass and celebration of Margaret’s life will be held at a later date.