Ann J. (Phillips) Dougher

     It is with sadness we announce the passing of a beloved mother, grandmother to several generations and dear friend to many.
     Mrs. Ann J. (Phillips) Dougher, 92, a lifelong resident of Wilkes-Barre's North End, passed Friday evening in the Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center following complications from a recent medical procedure.
     Born in Wilkes-Barre on Tuesday, September 12, 1933, she was the last surviving of five children to the late John and Anna (Cvercko) Phillips. Educated in the Catholic faith, she was a member of the 1951 graduating class of the former Saint Nicholas High School, Wilkes-Barre.
     Mrs. Dougher was a dedicated homemaker who devoted herself to the upbringing of her ten children and later their families. She was a vibrant and nurturing woman known especially for her unwavering love and support. Family was the focal point of Ann's life; her greatest joy came from family gatherings; sharing laughter and creating cherished memories.
     In her leisure time, she enjoyed her many family fishing trips, especially those taken to Canada.  Having a deep-rooted faith, she was a member of Saint Nicholas-Saint Mary Parish, Wilkes-Barre.  Fraternally, and proud of her Slavic heritage, she held membership in the First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association, where she served as an officer.
     Her life was not without its sorrows and heartaches. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Mr. Joseph G. Dougher on September 18, 1992. At the time of Mr. Dougher's passing, the couple shared forty years of married life together. She also bid farewell to daughters Susan Kennedy, Eileen Shalata; a grandson and fishing buddy, Joseph "Joey" Pugh; and siblings including Genevieve Kelly, Rita Domowitch, John Phillips and Joseph Phillips.
     Left to cherish all the wonderful memories they now keep of their mother are her children; Joseph P. and Jeanette Dougher of Wilkes-Barre; JoAnn Klinesmith, North Wilkes-Barre; Kathy and Ralph Capristo, Kutztown; Debbie and Scott Hoffman of Perkiomenville; Maria Coolbaugh and her partner Tim Gemski of the Parsons section of Wilkes-Barre; Mary Ellen Myers and her husband Ray of Mountain Top; Coleen Pugh and her husband Francis "Fran" of Plains Township; Annie Seiwell of Hazleton; Sons-in-law, William Kennedy of Wilkes-Barre and Michael Shalata of Washington State; Numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and dear friends.
     Funeral services for Mrs. Dougher will be conducted on Wednesday, January 21st. at 9:15 a.m. from the John V. Morris Family Funeral Home Inc., 625 North Main Street, Wilkes-Barre, followed by her funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. in Saint Nicholas-Saint Mary Parish, 226 South Washington Street, Wilkes-Barre. The Reverend Joseph D. Verespy, pastor, will serve as celebrant and homilist.
     Interment with the Rite of Committal will follow in the Phillips family lot within Sacred Heart of Jesus Roman Catholic Cemetery, Dorchester Drive, Dallas.
     Relatives and friends may join Mrs. Dougher's family for visitation and shared remembrances Tuesday evening from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
     Mrs. Dougher will be remembered not only for her remarkable contributions to her family and community but also for the warmth and kindness she brought to everyone she touched. May she now rest in the peace of the Risen Christ.
     Those wishing to share online words of comfort or a fond memory of Ann with her family are encouraged to do so here on her memorial page.  Thank You.

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