Obituary of Maureen Doherty

December 8, 1939 – Limerick, Ireland

January 4, 2025 – Scottsdale, Arizona, USA

Maureen Agnes Doherty (nee Nolan), beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully in her winter home in Scottsdale, AZ. She was the eighth of eighteen children born to John Nolan and Josephine Nolan (nee Courtney) of Limerick, Ireland, where she lived for her first eighteen years.

A voracious reader throughout her life, Maureen loved books yet had to leave school at a young age to work and support her family. Serving others before herself would become the hallmark of Maureen’s life, yet the grace and beauty with which she did it disguised the sacrifices she made. She gave yet didn’t complain and expected nothing in return. Maureen embodied the teachings of her Catholic faith, a central pillar of her life from which she drew constant strength.

At the age of eighteen, Maureen emigrated from Ireland to Calgary, Alberta, where other family members had settled. Though Canada became her permanent home, Maureen never lost her delightful Irish brogue; listening to her was a pleasure.

Shortly after arriving in Calgary, Maureen met Patrick Doherty, and they married in 1959. They began their lives together with very little yet built a remarkable legacy, including five children, nineteen grandchildren and multiple philanthropic projects spanning three continents.

After raising five children in Calgary where Patrick built his career in real estate, the couple moved to Bragg Creek. There, they established the No Ka Oi Ranch, which is dedicated to serving physically, mentally, and financially challenged children. No Ka Oi was later renamed “Our Lady Queen of Peace Ranch”, and the Doherty family opened a second Ranch in Edmonton to serve children there.

In conjunction with the Catholic Church, the Doherty family also built orphanages, schools, and community projects in Mexico, Africa and Bosnia-Herzegovina. For all these philanthropic works, Maureen and Patrick received the Order of Canada, the highest award Canada can bestow upon civilians.

Maureen, lovingly known as “Nana” to her kids and grandkids, bound the Doherty family together with her warmth, unconditional love, and constant prayer. She is gone, but how she made us feel remains; how she inspired us to be our best selves continues; and her reminder to “enjoy every minute of it” lives on in our hearts.

Maureen was predeceased by her parents, Josephine and John Nolan, her husband, Patrick Doherty, and grandson, Jason Doherty. Maureen is survived by her five children, Siobhan Doherty, Michael Doherty (Gabriele), Dennis Doherty (Lea), Tracy Doherty, and Bill Doherty; as well as her eighteen grandchildren, Patrick, Kelsey, Meaghan, Justin, Shane, Stephanie, Ozzi, Lola, Courtney, Nolan, Makenzie, Colin, Katie, Jack, Josie, Steve, Mary Josephine, and Anna; several siblings and many nieces and nephews.

The Doherty family wishes to acknowledge Wilma Banayat; Cathy and Doug Weinkauff; Betty Jo and Dean Kaiser; Kelly Bierman; Mary Anne Doherty; Kathy Tom; Cecilia Fong; Infinity Hospice; Amada Senior Care; Navi Nurses; Concierge Care Calgary; Advanced Primary Care; Dr. Mary Sazbo; and the Mayo Clinic for their devotion to Maureen in her final years.

Wake Services will be held on Friday, January 10, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., Saturday, January 11, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and on Sunday, January 12, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Doherty residence in Bragg Creek, AB. Please follow the signs to park at the barn, where shuttle service will be provided.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Church (1307 14 Street SW, Calgary, AB) on Monday, January 13, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Reception to follow at St. Mary’s Hall (221 18 Avenue SW, Calgary, AB) until 3:00 p.m. Graveside Service will take place immediately following the reception at St. Mary’s Cemetery (3157 Erlton Street SW, Calgary, AB).       
 

Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mrs. Doherty’s service streamed live (see link below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted.

To honour Maureen’s wishes, flowers are welcome and appreciated as a beautiful tribute to her memory.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Maureen’s family here.

In living memory of Maureen Doherty, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.

Click Here to Sign the Digital Guest Book and Watch Maureen's Funeral Mass