Elizabeth Dougherty (1932-2026)

Elizabeth L. “Betty” Dougherty, age 94, is with the Lord now. She passed in her sleep on April 4, 2026, at her home in Elizabethtown, where she resided with her daughter and son-in-law. Born January 19, 1932, in Pittsburgh, she was the only child of the late Charles and Louise (Colizza) Painter.  

Betty married right out of high school.  She and her husband, James had 5 children.  Betty was one of the first woman to be an Allstate Insurance agent. Later, while in her 40’s, she cared for her father-in-law for 2 years.  She so enjoyed being his caregiver that she decided to go to nursing school. Betty was a dedicated and very compassionate nurse for 35 years in both Florida and Pennsylvania, working as a nurse into her 70’s, until her husband became ill.

Betty was the President of the Legion of Mary at St. Joan of Arc Parish in Hershey.  She loved visiting the sick and elderly. She was a devoted prayer warrior. She was also a member of St. Peter’s church in Elizabethtown.  Betty loved sewing, cooking, horses, reading and playing word games. She had phenomenal vocabulary and math skills. She also had a great sense of humor and very quick wit.

She is preceded in death by her husband James A. Dougherty, three sons: James A. Jr, Jeffrey A, and John A., and two grandsons.

She is survived by her daughters, Janet Dougherty, of Colorado, and Jill Yost, and her husband, Joseph, of Elizabethtown.  As well as 10 grandchildren, and 20 great-grandchildren.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, April 11th at 11AM in the St. Joan of Arc Church. 359 W. Areba Ave., Hershey.  The family will begin receiving guests at 10AM.  Interment will take place in the Hershey Cemetery.