She loved both the mountains and the ocean, but it was the mountains that won out. Born on February 22, 1950, Patricia “Pat” Doherty was born in Jersey City, N.J., and grew up in Hasbrouck Heights, N.J. The middle of three children, she is the last of her siblings to be with her ancestors, a long line of Dohertys and O’Tooles waiting eagerly for her grand, celestial entrance.
Pat attended St. Mary’s High School in Rutherford, N.J. The members of her class — the class of 1968 — are still close. Two classmates drove up to see her during her last few weeks, and many others reached out during her illness to share their love and support, something Pat’s daughter and granddaughter were especially fond of.
Her illness, which was pancreatic cancer, was discovered in November 2025. At first it seemed the illness was in the early stages and potentially curable. Unfortunately, a procedure in April revealed that the tumor was bigger and far more invasive than originally thought, and she was much further along than known. She managed the twists and turns of her illness well and, in the end, passed peacefully at the McClure Miller Respite House in Colchester.
Pat is survived by her daughter, Jodi Lawaich; granddaughter, Avery Paquin; and niece, Elena Durant. Pat was an especially attentive grandmother and was beyond pleased when Avery arrived on the planet with Pat’s auburn hair and beautiful blue eyes. Jodi often referred to Avery as “Pat’s revenge” during Avery’s first year, as the coloring was unmistakable. Both Avery and Jodi are grateful for the time Pat got to have as a grandmother and how involved she was, whether it was in person, over the phone or on a Zoom call.
The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, you please donate to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.
This article appears in June 10 • 2026.
Yes, Nancy Sugarman, you are spot on about Pat and her work in the community. Our beloved Pat wanted to serve the most vulnerable at-risk populations. She was all about bringing resources to immigrant families, taking care of either the unhoused, incarcerated juveniles, or clients who came to her for mental health services in her private psychotherapy practice. We had many discussions about social justice, environmental causes and fighting racism which was grounded in her advanced degree in Social Work from New York University. Pat originally graduated from Montclair State and worked as a systems engineer before making a full circle switch to Social Work in 1998. During a recent conversation at the Hospice facility a volunteer named Chris, who is also a Social Worker, came into her room to ask if Pat needed anything. After the introduction Chris said, “Wait, I know you from your work in the community.” Chris paid Pat the highest compliment of recognition which she so richly deserved. Another visitor arrived from the Ohavi Zedek Synagogue Center in Burlington, known for their unrestricted community outreach of which Pat became a member. Their fondness and concern for Pat was evident and substantial. She touched many hearts with her legacy of love, inclusion and positive change. One of our last conversations together discussing helping clients Pat didn’t spell out theories and techniques she simply said, “I just want to be genuine.” Yes, Pat, you are, and now deeply missed.