Obituary of Nancy Jane Dougherty

Nancy Dougherty Sr. Was born on November 22, 1934 in Upper Darby, PA and went to be with the Lord on January 26, 2016. Nancy committed to many endeavors and causes in her life and left and indelible mark on so many in each circle. Proud of her children, grandchildren and extended family, she always wanted the best for them in body, mind, and spirit and would make any sacrifice to help them achieve their goals. Family now extended across the U.S. and world, making their own marks, but never out of the shadow of dear Mom or Grammie. She was an active member at St. Bridget's Catholic Church and attended mass several times a week and enjoyed the book and movie club, bible study group, and many other activities with friends. Her faith was always with her and if for any reason you were behind on your prayers she was making up for it! She also was a dedicated health and wellness healer that worked tirelessly to help those who were ailing through her Touch for Health practice. Many have benefited from her work to improve health and energy while dealing with chronic illnesses, allergies, or general wellness. Now if you interacted with Nancy in any of theses circles, one would wonder if she had any time for the other, but the reality is that she was so much more. Nancy was a dedicated and talented basketball coach and mentor whose career spanned 61 years and lasted up to the day she passed. Many have described her as so much more than a coach. Recent remembrance articles described her as part instructor, counselor, teacher, surrogate mother, clinician, talent scout, and part soothsayer. She was a prized and proud member of the Philadelphia Belles AAU Coaching staff and had been for some 25 years. During that tenure she touched thousands of young girls lives and guided them on to greater heights in basketball and in life. Too many to count went on to be standout players in area high schools, colleges, and professional leagues overseas and in the WNBA. Her pupils included future National Champions and even a member of the "Mighty Macs" depicted in the movie about the Immaculata College girls basketball team. No doubt, she would also be most proud of those who went on to become coaches and mentors themselves. Thank you to the entire Philadelphia Belles organization for everything you have given to our beloved Nancy. And to her players, current and past, "dribble with your eyes up and work on those post moves!" As a family we could not be prouder of all her accomplishments. In lieu of flowers we invite you to donate to the "Nancy Dougherty Scholarship Fund" to offset costs for future players. Donations can be made to the Philadelphia Belles, P.O. Box 37, Bensalem, PA 19020. Nancy is survived by her husband Daniel A. Sr., children Daniel Jr. (Irene), Malcolm (Linda), Nancy Jr., Brendan, Amy, sister Sandra Botson, 11 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, 5 nieces and nephews and 7 great nieces and nephews. Viewing and remembrance will be Friday 7-9pm in St. Bridget's Church, 125 Church St, Glassboro, NJ. Funeral mass Saturday at 11am in St. Bridget's Church. Interment Arlington Cemetery, Drexel Hill, PA. Contributions may be made to the Philadelphia Belles for Player Scholarships. www.kelleyfhpitman.com.