LEBANON — Dorothy Francis Caines Doherty, 82, of Chelmsford, Mass., died Aug. 18, 2010, at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H.

She was born Feb. 19, 1928, in Hartford, Conn., the daughter of Edith Hadsell and John Caines. Mrs. Doherty grew up in Melrose, Mass., but lived in several locations in her adulthood, including 35 years in Billerica, Mass. She eventually settled in Chelmsford, Mass., where she resided until the time of her death.

As a military wife, Mrs. Doherty lived in Alaska, Washington state, California and Puerto Rico with her husband Walter J. Doherty. Following her husband’s service in the military, the couple settled in Massachusetts where Mrs. Doherty worked as an Insurance Underwriter for the Gordon C. Brainerd Company for 30 years.

Growing up, Mrs. Doherty was known as “Jinx” by friends and loved ones. She loved golf and bowling and was a member of the Zions Club as well as the First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church of Billerica.

She was also a great lover of animals, especially dogs. Mrs. Doherty raised two collies in her earlier life, and, more recently, she is survived by her two cats Sandy and Andy.

Most significantly, Mrs. Doherty was known for her extensive volunteerism. She was an active member in the VF Women’s Auxiliary of Bedford, Mass. Mrs. Doherty also volunteered at the E.N. Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital in Bedford, Mass. for many years.

Mrs. Doherty is predeceased by her husband, Walter J. Doherty, who died in 1977. She is survived by her two sons, Dr. Michael H. and his wife, Lucy, of Dublin and David S. of Peterborough. Her twin granddaughters Hannah N. and Hailey L., the daughters of Michael and Lucy. Mrs. Doherty also leaves behind her sister, Janet C. Lundy, of Wysox, Pa. and her children, Susan, Carrie, Timothy and Sam.

A loving mother, grandmother, sister and aunt, Mrs. Doherty will be deeply missed by her family.

Calling hours will be held Aug. 21 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Jellison Funeral Home in Peterborough. Additionally, a church service will be held on Aug. 25 at 6 p.m. at the First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church in Billerica, Mass. Reverend Bruce Taylor will officiate. Jellison Funeral Home is assisting with the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the E.N. Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital c/o Voluntary Services, 200 Springs Rd., Bedford, Mass. 01730 in memory of Dorothy Francis Caines Doherty.

This obituary can also be viewed at the Jellison Funeral Home website, www.JellisonFuneralHome.com, as well as on Tributes.com.