Patricia M. Dougherty

In Loving Memory of Patricia M. Dougherty

April 21, 1941 – May 3, 2025

Patricia M. Dougherty of Ithaca, NY, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-

grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home on May 3,

2025, at the age of 84. She was surrounded by her loving husband, daughters, and

sister — a testament to the deep devotion she both gave and received throughout her

life.

Born on April 21, 1941, Patricia was the daughter of the late Sherman and Cora Nobles

Mackereth. She graduated from Ithaca High School in 1959 and went on to live a life

filled with warmth, purpose, and a deep love for her family and community. Patricia was

a dedicated 40-year employee of Cornell University, retiring in 1999 as the Registrar for

the College of Arts and Sciences. Her professionalism, kindness, and commitment left a

lasting impact on generations of students and colleagues.

Patricia shared a beautiful life with her husband, William Dougherty of Ithaca, NY.

Together they built a home grounded in love, laughter, and cherished traditions. She is

survived by her children: Melissa (Eric) Fields of Lansing, NY, April (Herb) Denman of

Trumansburg, NY, and William Dougherty Jr. of Ithaca, NY.

She was a proud and loving grandmother to Amber Denman of Trumansburg, NY,

Clinton (Makayla) Denman of Trumansburg, NY, Carlene (Chris) LaSala of Willseyville,

NY, Curtis Fields and his girlfriend Joee Denis of Ithaca, NY, and Mitchell Denman and

his fiancée Devin Baylor of Cortland, NY. Her heart expanded further as she became

great-grandmother to Vada Denman-Wright, Layla Denman-Wright, and Edward

Denman.

Patricia is also survived by her dear brother Sherman Mackereth of Ithaca, NY, and her

loving sister Marilou Slattery of Ithaca, NY. She was a beloved aunt to many nieces and

nephews, and a cherished member of a large extended family that includes an aunt,

cousins, and countless special friends who became like family over the years.

Patricia found immense joy in family gatherings and traveling — having taken 14

cruises, visited Hawaii twice, and journeyed to Spain three times. She loved gardening,

sewing and crafts, cooking and baking, and even snowmobiling. She embraced every

season of life with enthusiasm, creativity, and an open heart.

A tireless volunteer and passionate community member, Patricia gave generously of her

time and energy. She was active with the VFW Women’s Auxiliary, the Salvation Army,

CMC Hospital, and served as a 4-H and Youth Enterprise leader. She was also a

founding member of the Dryden-Caroline Drifters Snowmobile Club and gave her time

to the McGraw House. A faithful and lifelong member of St. Paul’s United Methodist

Church in Ithaca, she was devoted to the congregation for 70 years — a true pillar of

her faith community.

Calling hours will be held at Perkins Funeral Home in Dryden, NY on Thursday,

May 8th from 5:00 to 7:00 PM and Friday, May 9th from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. A

funeral service will follow from 12:00 to 1:00 PM. Family and friends are invited to

gather afterward at the Dryden VFW for a celebration of Patricia’s life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Patricia’s memory to Hospicare of

Ithaca, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Ithaca, or the Ithaca Salvation Army

— causes close to her heart and reflective of her lifelong generosity.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Hospicare for the support,

care, and kindness they showed Patricia as she bravely faced pancreatic cancer.

Patricia M. Dougherty’s legacy is woven into the hearts of all who knew her — a legacy

of love, laughter, faith, and fierce devotion to others. Though she has departed this

world, the light she brought to so many lives will continue to shine.

In her memory, please remember to always take a moment to brighten someone’s

day — just as she so often did.