Sister Elinor Loretta Doherty, MM, a missioner for 67 years, who served primarily in Guatemala, died November 24, 2014, at Maryknoll Sisters Home Care IV. She was 89 years old.
Born on October 12, 1925 in Pontiac, MI, to Albert and Elinor McGowan Doherty, Sister Elinor was one of seven children born to the couple, two sons, and five daughters. She attended St. Frederick’s High School, Pontiac, from 1938-1943.
Sister Elinor entered the Congregation of Maryknoll Sisters of St. Dominic at Valley Park, MO, on October 30, 1947, from Our Lady of Refuge Parish, Orchard Lake, MI. At her reception, she was given the Religious name of Sister Rose Andrew. Her first Profession of Vows was made at Valley Park on May 8, 1950, and her Final Vows on May 8, 1953, also at Valley Park.
A graduate of Marygrove College, Detroit, MI, where she received a B.S. in chemistry in 1947, Sister Elinor’s first assignment was as Assistant to the Postulate Mistress at the Maryknoll Motherhouse, Maryknoll, NY, from 1950-1952. She then served in the same position at the congregation’s novitiate in Valley Park in 1952 and at their Native novitiate in Yucatan, Mexico from 1953-1958.
Sister Elinor then taught math and science to secondary students in Guatemala City, from 1958-1969, also serving as First Counselor for the congregation’s regional office in the city from 1964-1969. She later served as a member of the Regional Governing Board for the congregation from 1977-1979.
From 1969-1971, Sister Elinor supervised the junior high school section of Monte Maria School, Guatemala City, while also teaching religion and math classes at the school. She them served as Vice Principal of the junior high school in 1972, as coordinator of the high school from 1973-1987 and 1990-2002.
Sister Elinor then returned to the Motherhouse, now known as Maryknoll Sisters Center, where she served as a volunteer in social services, residents’ clothing and health care from 2002-2006. She officially retired in 2007.
Sister Elinor is survived by her brother, Edmond Doherty of Overland Park, KS; and two sisters, Mrs. Jane Stack of West Bloomfield, MI, and Mrs. Esther McInnes of Waterford, MI.
A vespers service was held for Sister Elinor on November 30, 2014, in the Main Chapel at the Maryknoll Sisters Chapel in Ossining, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial was offered on December 1, 2014, in the same location. Interment was in the Maryknoll Sisters Cemetery, Maryknoll, NY.