Helen Dougherty
Helen Tangney Dougherty, 80, of Mauston died in her sleep on Monday, Sept. 15, 2008 in the Terrance Heights Retirement Community apartment where she and her husband, Russell lived. She left this world as gently and quietly as she lived on it.
Helen was born Nov. 23, 1927 to John and Mildred Tangney, who lived on a farm outside Big Spring, in Adams County. Her family later moved to Wisconsin Dells, where Helen graduated from high school. In 1947 she married Russell Dougherty, also a Wisconsin Dells graduate, at St. Cecilia Catholic Church following his naval service in World War II. They raised their two children, Patrick and Michael in Mauston, Wonewoc and, later, Milwaukee.
Helen and Russell returned to Wisconsin Dells in 1972. They later moved to Reedsburg and about five years ago returned to Mauston where they have lived at Terrace Heights, enjoying the support of a caring community and staff. Throughout much of her adult life Helen helped staff the offices of medical professionals. Always, her first priority was her family. She loved to garden, read, and enjoy the company of friends and family. She took pleasure, but never gloated, in winning at cards.
Helen is survived by her husband, Russell, and her son, Michael, her daughter-in-law, Michele, and their two boys, Joseph and Jacob, of Newark, Calif.
She was preceded in death by brothers Robert and Richard Tangney, sister Marie (Fulweiler) and son Patrick.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 18 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Mauston where friends may call from 10 a.m. until time of services.
Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Wisconsin Dells.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Patrick's Catholic School
The Crandall Funeral Home, Mauston assisted the family with arrangements.