Joan A. Dougherty age 89 of Fairfield, Ohio passed away Sunday May 17, 2026 in Bethesda Butler Hospital. She was born in Jamaica, New York on May 25, 1936 the daughter of Felix and Alma (Marks) Kinkele. On May 11,1957, in Jamaica, New York she married John F. Dougherty and they were married for 63 years before he preceded her in death on May 15, 2020.

Joan attended Pace Business School following high school. She and her family moved from NY to Fairfield in 1967. Once her five children were all in school, she returned to work as an administrative assistant for Hamilton Sorter and Westinghouse as well as several other temporary assignments. She also attended Wilmington College following her return to work.

Joan had many interests including drawing, painting watercolors, singing, gardening, reading, golfing, tennis and playing bridge. She was a member of Rolling Hills Country Club since 1968 where she always enjoyed soaking up the sun and a bit of swimming. She also enjoyed travel and made several trips abroad as well as to many locations in the US. She really enjoyed the annual family vacations in Hilton Head, SC for over 20 years. Joan was a member of Sacred Heart Church where she sang in the choir for over 25 years. She was also a member of the Butler Philharmonic Chorus and the Four Seasons Garden Club of Fairfield.

Joan is survived by her five children, Douglas (Laurie Kirkwood) Dougherty, Patricia (Bruce) Charles, Diane (Jeffery) Kelly, Bryan Dougherty, Kevin (Elissa Christmas) Dougherty; six grandchildren, Scott (Heather) Kelly, Stacey Kelly Hardin, Patrick (Dawn) Kelly, Nicholas (Rebecca Zisk) Charles, Rosalie and Michael Gadon Dougherty and three great grandchildren. She was predeceased in death by her beloved husband John, her parents and her brother and sister-in-law Walter and Wini Kinkele.

The family will receive friends Friday, May 29th from 9:00am to 10:00am with prayers at 10:00am in the Zettler Funeral Home, 2646 Pleasant Ave. followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30am in Sacred Heart Church. Burial will be in Rose Hill Burial Park. Online register book at www.zettlerfuneralhome.com

Memorial donations may be made to American Cancer Society, American Heart Association or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.