Betty Ann Dougherty | June 25, 1941 – April 22, 2026

Betty Ann—a loving sister, mother, stepmother, and grandmother—passed on April 22, 2026, at the age of 84.

Born in North Haven, Connecticut, to Norvin and Lillian Stephens, Betty Ann (later nicknamed "BA") was an endearing child from birth. Always wanting to live life to the absolute fullest, she was mischievous and adventurous. These qualities were often the source of exasperated sighs from her father and quiet, yet supportive amusement from her mother. There was never a dull moment within BA's orbit.

After graduating from high school in 1959, BA attended nursing school at Yale New Haven and received her LPN. Soon after, she found her footing at Harvard University as an executive secretary, where she quickly became the go-to person with all the answers. While there, she befriended and, years later, married Dr. John Dougherty, happily becoming a stepmother to two teenage sons, John (Brooks) and Andrew (Drew).

BA and John moved to the NYC area, ultimately settling in New Jersey, where their daughters, Abigail (Abby) and Amanda were born. In 1979, BA and John bought a home in New Hampshire, which, for decades, served as a gathering place for those they loved.

BA renovated the home to accommodate as many people as possible; her wish was to always have a full house! Ultimately, she built a life centered on love, laughter, and open doors—where neighbors, friends, and family could come and go freely, and where everyone was welcomed at the table.

She traveled the world. She obtained her private pilot's license. She co-owned an aviation company and an airport, and even occasionally served as an air traffic controller. Her life was truly full.

Later in life, BA decided to revisit her earlier passion: nursing. At a time when nontraditional students were uncommon, she went back to college and earned her Registered Nursing degree. It was exactly the kind of move those who knew her expected. She became a visiting nurse and devoted herself to caring for others with the same warmth she had always given those around her. She remembered every patient until the day she passed.

Retirement brought BA to the Jersey Shore, where she indulged in her two greatest joys: her grandchildren and the ocean. BA loved her children, her grandchildren, great food, Broadway shows, and music that moved her. She loved her friends with a fierceness and loyalty that lasted decades. Every room she entered was a little more alive with her presence.

Betty Ann was loved by everyone whose life she made more full and more fun—and there are so many—but especially her sister Nancy, her children, Abby O'Reilly (Will) and Amanda Sihweil (Omar); her grandchildren Regan, Evan, Nate, Mazin, Amelia, Zade, and Dalia; her stepsons Brooks and Drew (Gigi) and eleven step-grand/great-grandchildren; her nephew Chris; her niece Tracy; and their families.

She will be missed dearly.

In honor of her wishes, we will be holding a celebration of life on May 9th at LaNoma in Fort Lee, New Jersey, please see https://bettyanncelebrationoflife.rsvpify.com/ for more information.