Joyce Marie Dougherty Quirk passed away peacefully at home on July 15, 2026, surrounded

by the love of her family.

Born in Philadelphia to James Joseph and Johanna (Delahunty) Sheehan, Joyce was raised

in a large, close-knit Irish family whose love, laughter, and traditions remained at the heart of her

life. She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Daniel Joseph “Doc”

Dougherty; her second husband, Thomas Dalton Quirk Jr.; her beloved infant daughter,

Donna Marie Dougherty; and her eight brothers and sisters. With Joyce’s passing, the last of

the nine Sheehan siblings has gone home.

She is survived by her loving children, Susan Dougherty Bailey and her husband, Bob;

Daniel Joseph Dougherty and his wife, Amy, remembering his late wife, GailAnn; Donald

Bennet Dougherty and his wife, Jania; and Dennis Dougherty. She was a proud, loving and

ever-present grandmother to Jania Lynn Bailey; Kristin and her husband, Sean; Bobby and

his wife, Lauren; Allison and her husband, Austin; Jessica and her husband, Sal;

Amanda and her husband, Ryan; Danielle; and Fionn, and a cherished great-grandmother to

Frances, Fiona, Primrose, Austin Jr., Siena, and James. She is also survived by many

nieces, nephews, extended family members, and countless friends whose lives she touched

over the years.

To those who knew her best, Joyce was everyone’s favorite Den Mother - not because she

had to be, but because caring for others simply came naturally to her. She had an extraordinary

gift for making everyone feel welcome, offering a listening ear, a warm smile, and unwavering

support. Though only five feet tall, she was a tough cookie with a fierce dedication to her family.

No one ever questioned where her loyalty stood when it came to the people she loved. If you

were fortunate enough to be part of Joyce’s circle, you always knew you had someone sweet in

your corner.

Joyce dedicated many years of her career as a telephone operator with ARA Services, later

ARAMARK, before retiring in 2000. Retirement was simply the beginning of a new chapter, as

she enjoyed working in the gift shop at the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, where she continued doing

what she loved mos - meeting people and brightening their day. She also generously

volunteered at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), quietly giving her time and

compassion to others.

Joyce embraced life with enthusiasm and found joy in the simple things. Whether on the dance

floor, out fishing, or at the dartboard, Joyce was in her element. A darts ace in both

American and English darts, she was known for her skill, focus, and competitive spirit.

She was a long-time member of the Senior Citizens of North Cape May Club, an associate

member of the Villas Fishing Club and a proud member of the Greater Cape May Elks.

Friends and family are welcome to Joyce's celebration of life on July 25th, 2026 starting at 10AM at the Parish of St. John Neumann, St. John of God Church with a Mass of Christian Burial following, starting at 11AM.