Eileen Doherty

Eileen Terese Doherty, age 50, died unexpectedly on Saturday February 20, 2010 while recovering from an extended hospital stay.

She was preceded in death by her parents John and Doreen Doherty, formerly of Holland, Michigan and David Phelps, to whom she was previously married. Ms. Doherty is survived by six siblings: Susan E. Doherty of Scottsdale, AZ; Mary Kae Thompson (Doherty) of Tucson, AZ; Julie A. Doherty of Scottsdale, AZ; Michael J. Doherty of Salt Lake City, UT; Bridget J. Doherty of Scottsdale, AZ; and James P. Doherty of Holland, MI. In addition, Ms. Doherty is survived by three nieces and a nephew all of whom she loved dearly.

Ms. Doherty was born and raised in Holland, Michigan where she resided throughout her life. She graduated from Holland Public High School before attending Northern Michigan University. Eileen faithfully attended Saint Francis De Sales Catholic Church all her life. She counted many good friends there over the years. Ms. Doherty began working professionally as an artist at La Barge Mirrors and later painted independently, hosting numerous local solo exhibitions of her work. Most recently she studied painting under George Wilder Evans of Holland, a weekly course that provided her both serious instruction and social engagement with other aspiring painters. Painting and her Catholic faith remained a central focus of her life, both of which she loved dearly.

A memorial mass will be held for Ms. Doherty on Saturday, February 27, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Francis De Sales Catholic Church. Ms. Doherty’s remains will be cremated and interred near her parents in Mesa, AZ. The family invites all to a visitation celebrating Eileen’s life, beginning at 10:00 am, and to a luncheon following the mass.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Holland Rescue Mission, in the memory of Eileen Doherty.

Arrangements by the Dykstra Life Story Funeral Homes, Inc., Mulder Chapel, www.lifestorynet.com