Jeanie (Virgeane) M Dougherty

Virgeane Mary Ann "Jeanie" Highberger Dougherty of Newport passed peacefully on December 1, 2021 at the age of 93. Jeanie was born in Salem, Oregon on June 13, 1928 to loving parents Lee and Mary Highberger. She spent her childhood in Aumsville where her father owned the local flour mill and a favorite pastime was walking barrels with her three brothers. Jeanie was the oldest and was always composed, always fierce and never without lipstick. She attended Salem Schools and Maryhurst College and in 1947 she met Joseph W. Dougherty at a wedding. They were wed on May 30, 1948 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Sublimity, OR. Jeanie and Joe had 6 children. While the children were young, they enjoyed weekends at Detroit Lake and Trips to the Coast for crabbing. In 1971 Jeanie and Joe moved to Newport where Jeanie enjoyed a career in Public Relations at The Bank of Newport and Joe was the Post Master. Jeanie was a member of Salem Toastmasters Club & Beta Sigma Phi. She was the 1947 4-H State Champion in Style Show. In retirement Jeanie enjoyed being the matriarch of her large family with 17 grandchildren, winning pinochle games with friends and family and traveling with her beloved Joe. A lover of all sports, she could recite stats and get heated during a game with the best of them. Mimi, as she was known to her grandchildren, was a light and comfort during times of trouble and a mischievous ally with her bright eyed wrinkle nose smile. She relished in her role as loving friend and straight-shooting confidant and would do her signature shimmy when she was really having a good time. She was loving and loved and will be greatly missed. Jeanie is survived by her brothers: Monsignor Edward Highberger of Phoenix, AZ and Douglas (Karen) Highberger of Stayton, OR; Daughters: Joene (Monte) Runkle of Stayton, OR, Janis (John) Becker of Newport, OR, Julie (George) Tickle of Newport, OR and Jill (David) Capri of Newport, OR; Grandchildren: Caralie (Brian) Wright of Hillsboro, OR, Jason (Becca) Courtney of Jefferson, OR, Kate (Mike) Litten of Eugene, OR, Erin (Rob) Dougherty Lynch of Ancherage, AK, Julie (Eric) Dougherty Winger Greenbank, WA, Shannon Wellsteed of Newport OR, Jennifer (Monte) Hurley of Yamhill, OR, Janell (Hans) Goplen of Newport, OR, Jolee (Ryan) Bancroft of Newport, OR, Amber Dougherty of Vancover, WA, Mary (Jason) Salee of The Dalles, OR, Joe (Kallie) Dougherty of Beaverton, OR, Kelli (Miles) Cotton of Santa Monica, CA, Courtney (Joshua) Faryab of Tuscon, AZ, Dustin (Amanda) Capri of Newport, OR and Chelsea (Austin) Johnson of Dublin, CA; and 26 great grandchildren. Jeanie was predeceased by her husband Joseph W. Dougherty (2001), Sons: John (Barbara) Dougherty (2019), Jim (Debbie) Dougherty (2020); Brother: Theodor Highberger (2018) and Grandson: Ryan Richardson (2016). Services will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Tuesday, December 7, 2021 at 10 am. In Lieu of flowers please make donations to Sacred Heart Catholic Church 927 N. Coast Highway, Newport, OR 97365 or Samaritan Hospice 749 SW 11th St, Newport, OR 97365

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Jeanie (Virgeane) M Dougherty

June 13, 1928 - December 1, 2021