Obituary: Jean McMaster Dougherty

Jean McMaster Dougherty, age 90, passed away from natural causes on June 21. She passed while in the excellent care of her beloved caregivers at Mesa Manor and Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Colorado.
Jean was born on Dec. 16, 1918, in Pittsburgh, to Dr. Gilbert and Grace (Brown) McMaster. She spent her childhood in Pittsburgh, attending schools in Mt. Lebanon, Pa. She attended Grove City College in Grove City, Pa., and received her BA in English. She was married to Robert S. Dougherty; he preceded her in death.
Jean was employed at the University of Pittsburgh Book Store from 1964-1969 and worked as a receptionist for Dr. Alan Stormo in Boulder from 1969-1985. She was a proud member of St. Mary Magdalene Episcopal Church in Boulder.
Jean loved all things Scottish. Proud of her heritage, she made three trips to Scotland, two of which she traveled by herself while in her seventies. Jean toured the country by bus, train, ferry and even a postal lorry in the Outer Hebrides. She stayed in crofters’ homes and attended Scottish sheepdog trials and agricultural fairs. She instilled in others a sense of adventure and curiosity. She had a passion for dogs and it was her love of border collies that led her to the Meeker Sheepdog Trials, which she attended every year since 1987. Her granddaughter Laurel, who called Jean “Bonjen” shared her love of dogs and country life. The two spent many memorable summers together in the country near Haystack Mountain in Boulder County.
In 2005, Jean moved to the Western Slope and her sense of adventure took her to Meeker, Moab, Arches, Ouray and Monument Valley. Later, she loved nothing more than a country drive to Fruita or Palisade and was often seen at The Farmer’s Market or a local dog event with her Japanese Chin, Moki, in her lap. Children always gathered around her and she always asked their names. Jean knew no strangers. All who knew her became a close friend and will miss her terribly.
She is survived by her son Jeff Sherman of Girdwood, Alaska.; daughter Laurel Denison of Bellingham, Wash. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Suzanne McMaster Sherman and brother, Dr. Gilbert McMaster.
Private family services will take place in Meeker in September.
Memorial donations in Jean’s honor may be sent to Roice-Hurst Humane Society, 3320 D-� Road, Clifton, CO 81520 or to Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Colorado, 3090B North 12th, Grand Junction CO 81506.