Ethel A. Dougherty, 87, of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully at home on August 5, 2026. Born in Hazleton, she was the daughter of the late Stephen and Veronica (Sernak) Leshko of McAdoo. She was a member of St. Pius of Pietrelcina, Parish, Church of St. Gabriel, Hazleton
After graduating from McAdoo High School, Ethel began her career as a bookkeeper at Schultz’s Tire in Tamaqua. Over the years, she became an accomplished businesswoman known for her dedication and strong work ethic.
Alongside her late husband, Eugene “Gene” Dougherty, Ethel helped build their family businesses Kleen Vending, Coffee Service, and Billig-Helmes Insurance. Most recently, she served as secretary and treasurer of Billig-Helmes Insurance. She took great pride in her work and continued going into the office every day until her final days, bringing with her a bright smile, sharp mind, and warm spirit.
Ethel was a beloved matriarch, humanitarian, and cherished pillar of her family and community. Known for her kind heart, she had a gift for making everyone feel valued and was deeply loved by all who knew her. With vibrant energy and abundant compassion, she gave generously to her family, friends, and community.
Outside of her career, Ethel embraced life fully. She was an avid reader and athlete, and she was a familiar face at Valley Country Club, where she could often be found playing tennis and golf. She loved staying active and connected, nurturing deep friendships through her book club, card club, and cherished canasta games.
Ethel devoted much of her time to the Rotary Club of Hazleton, where she supported her husband, Gene, and daughter, Donna Marie. A true adventurer, she also loved bringing her family together to explore the world. She created unforgettable memories on annual family trips to Florida, as well as getaways to Puerto Rico, Jamaica, and many other places.
To celebrate an extraordinary milestone, Ethel and Gene marked their 80th birthdays with a memorable journey to Ireland, accompanied by several family members.
Ethel was preceded in death by her parents and by her husband, Eugene “Gene” Dougherty, who passed away on January 4, 2025. Gene was Ethel’s high school sweetheart, lifelong partner, devoted husband and father, and the person she missed the most every day.
She is survived by her daughter Donna Marie Dougherty, who resided with and cared for her; her son, David E. Dougherty, and his wife, Sheila, of Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey; her daughter Elizabeth “Bette Rose” Quinn and her husband, Mark, of Madison Township,
Pennsylvania; and her daughter Colleen M. Dougherty and her partner Jim Richardson of Kissimmee, Florida.
She is also survived by her devoted brother, Carl, and his wife, Donna; her sister-in-law Bette Rose Lieberman and her husband, Charlie; 11 beloved grandchildren: David J. Barna II, David Dougherty, Erica Dougherty, Michael Dougherty, Nicole Dougherty, Rachael Dougherty, Alicia Houser, Michael Quinn, Meghan Quinn, Lauren Silverstein, and Liam Cookley; and two great-grandchildren, with three more great-grandchildren on the way.
Above all else, Ethel’s greatest passion was her family. Each generation will grow up knowing the strength, love, and example of the remarkable woman who came before them.
Ethel’s strength, generosity, and vibrant spirit made her an anchor for her family and community. Her legacy of kindness and joy will remain forever in the hearts of those blessed to know her. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered, now united with her husband in heaven.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, August 14, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Pius of Pietrelcina Parish, Church of St. Gabriel, Hazleton. Friends and family are invited to gather at the church on Friday morning from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. before the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Ethel’s memory may be made to the Rotary Club of Hazleton or the Hazleton Area Public Library.
Joseph B. Conahan Funeral Home is providing Ethel’s memorial services. Condolence messages may be entered in the family’s online memorial guestbook on the funeral home website at www.conahanfuneral.com .