Julia Hillman Dougherty, 10/22/1938 – 5/16/2017

Julia “Julie” Hillman Dougherty, of Fairfield, CT, Schenectady, NY, Marblehead, MA, Larchmont, NY, and Brunswick, ME passed away peacefully after a long journey with Alzheimer’s disease on May 16, 2017 in her final home in Portland, OR.

Born Julia Michler Hillman, Julia spent her childhood years in Connecticut before moving to Schenectady, NY for her high school years. She graduated from Nott Terrace High in 1956. Julia earned a college degree in education and child development from Goucher College in 1960 and a master’s degree in education from the College of New Rochelle in 1990.

Julia was an elementary school teacher, teaching both in the 1960s and again in the 1980s and 90s after taking time off to raise her two children. She described her time teaching third grade at Columbus School in New Rochelle, NY as the highlight of her career and the best years of her life. 

Julie married James David Dougherty in 1962. They made homes in Marblehead, MA, Larchmont, NY and Brunswick, ME in a marriage that spanned more than 50 years until James’ passing in 2016. They shared a passion for music, dance and spending time with longtime friends in favorite places.

Julia was a teacher, a mentor to young students, an alumni recruiter for Goucher, an award-winning Girl Scout leader, an avid gardener, and an accomplished athlete passionate about tennis, cross-country skiing and exploring wild places. She was a loving and dedicated mother, daughter, wife, sister and cousin. Most of all, she was a treasured friend to many. She shared an incredible enthusiasm and energy with the world, pursued her passions independently and dedicated much time to making the world a better place. 

Julia is survived by her son Sean Dougherty (Julie Atinaja), daughter Molly Dougherty (Cliff Alton), brothers Ted Hillman (Betsy), John Hillman (Linda) and Charlie Hillman (Suzi) and their families, and her adored grandchildren, Erin and Connor Alton Dougherty. She will be missed.

Donations in Julia’s honor can be made to the following charitable organizations: The Nature Conservancy’s Maine and Oregon chapters (mail donations to: The Nature Conservancy, 821 SE 14^th Avenue, Portland OR 97214) and Goucher College (mail donations to: Goucher College Advancement Office, 1021 Dulaney Valley Road, Towson, MD 21204).