Beloved wife, mother and grandmother, Joanne R. Dougherty, passed away at home in Monarch Beach, CA from the complications of a cerebral aneurysm that she suffered in June 2011. She was born in Washington, DC, grew up in New Jersey with her grandmother, married John Dougherty in 1959 and moved to Fullerton, California with her husband. Her two sons Dan and Christopher were both born in Fullerton in the mid 60's and in 1973 the family moved to Monarch Beach, CA.

From the time her children were born until the youngest was almost out of high school, she was a stay at home mom taking care of her family, always being heavily involved in the activities the family was involved in. When the time was right, she went after her lifelong dream again and resumed her college education. She graduated from UC Irvine and began a teaching career. She loved teaching, and it didn't take long for her to become not only one of the best but one of the most sought out teachers. While teaching she made life long friends and touched the lives of many people. Her style and commitment in the classroom was unmistakable.

In her personal life, she loved her home, boating and travel. At home she involved herself in neighborhood social activities and formed many friendships. The family spent many summer vacations at Catalina Island on their sailboat "Irish Ayes". During those years she made many friends and many memories at the Catalina Island Yacht Club in Avalon. Other summers vacations were spent traveling both here and abroad with her husband. After she retired from teaching she became a volunteer with Labrador Rescuers of San Diego.

She is survived by her husband of 54 years, John Dougherty; by her two sons, Dan Dougherty and Christopher Dougherty; and by six wonderful grandchildren, Mariah, Madeleine, Triston, Payton, Olivia and Zoe.

She will be greatly missed by all who have had the opportunity to know her and the privilege to love her.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, January 13, 2013 at 12 noon at the Dana Point Yacht Club, 24399 Dana Drive, Dana Point, CA 92629.

In lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be made to the American Cancer Society .