Janine Doherty

Janine Anne (Nowak) Doherty of Canton, Michigan, age 80, passed away peacefully on December 26, 2019. She was born in Flint, Michigan on December 7, 1939, the eldest child of Mary (Kolotylo) and Michael Nowak of Flint, Michigan.

She was a kind, compassionate and very determined woman. Following graduation from St. Matthew’s high school in Flint in 1958, Jan joined the Air Force to serve her country and to see the world. While in the service, she met her future husband, Thomas Bernard Doherty and they were married December 30, 1961.

Jan and Tom returned to Flint following his military career retirement. Jan eventually retired from secretarial work for Genesee County in 1992. She proudly received her Bachelor of Art’s degree with high honors from the University of Michigan - Flint in 1995.

Jan took joy in making others happy and was the most kind, gentle and humble soul. She glowed at large family gatherings and there was always room for another chair at her and Tom’s table. Even at the end of her life, Jan was constant love and light and always made those in the room feel special.

She is survived by her husband Tom Doherty and children Bill (Laura) Doherty, Tom (Kim) Doherty, Mari (Darin) Ellis, Cara (Barry) Boggs, and Dan (Paula) Doherty as well as her 9 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and other loving family members and friends. Her parents, Mary and Michael, and three brothers, Daniel, Philip and Richard, preceded her in death.

Janine Doherty will be interred in a ceremony at the Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan on January 9, 2020 at 2:30 p.m. The family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association or Arbor Hospice in lieu of flowers and sends a special thank you to the nurses and staff at Arbor Hospice and Vibrant Life Senior Living in Superior Township.