Helen M. Doherty

Helen M. Doherty, age 83, of Wilmington, DE, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 16, 2019.

She was born in Wilmington, daughter of the late Gerald and Myrtle (Holmes) Doherty. Helen was a 1954 graduate of Ursuline Academy where she excelled in sports. Her athletic prowess continued throughout most of her young adult life, playing in several recreational and amateur leagues. She earned her undergraduate degree from the College of New Rochelle and her Master’s degree from Villanova University. Helen went on to enjoy a long and impactful career as a teacher, coach and guidance counselor; starting at her alma mater, Ursuline, where she founded the basketball program; on to Conrad High School and ultimately Wilmington High School, retiring in 1991.

She was extremely proud of her large extended family and cherished spending time with everyone, especially in Cape May, NJ – a special place in Helen’s heart. She was a lifetime parishioner of St. Ann’s Parish and often volunteered at the Sisters of St. Francis Convent in Aston, PA, and with the Delaware Sports Museum and Hall of Fame, of which she was a proud inductee in 2010.

Helen is survived by her siblings, Bill Doherty (Anne), Kitty McCarthy (Tim, deceased), J. Holmes Doherty (Joan), and Nancy Lynch (Francis); numerous nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and nephews, and great-grand-nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Gerald Doherty III (Betty), Philip Doherty (Helen), and Myrtle Brunhammer (Eugene); and her nephew, Timmy McCarthy.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11:00am on Tuesday, January 22, 2019 at St. Ann’s Church, 2013 Gilpin Avenue, Wilmington, DE 19806.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Helen’s memory can be made to Ursuline Academy, 1106 Pennsylvania Avenue, Wilmington, DE 19806 or to the College of New Rochelle, 29 Castle Place, New Rochelle, NY 10805.

***The following is an excerpt from the Delaware Sports Museum and Hall of Fame (Helen was inducted in 2010)***

"Long before anyone dreamed of Title IX, before the era of females earning college athletic scholarships, some female athletes achieved outstanding success despite limitations not faced by their male counterparts. Helen Doherty belongs in this elite company, as she excelled at the national level as well as locally. A 1954 graduate of Ursuline Academy, Helen was a three-sport athlete (basketball, softball, and track). Daughter of one DSMHOF Inductee and sister to two others, Helen had sports in her genes. Helen was the first female to play on a CYO boy’s baseball team. Bill Kapa, DSMHOF inductee, was her coach.

Helen played basketball for St. Ann’s CYO team in 1949, then starred for the Lucians Industrial League champs from 1960-1963. In 1960, she was the leading scorer on the Blue Chicks championship team of the Parks and Recreation League. Helen played for the Philadelphia Aces, coached by DSMHOF inductee Ace Hoffstein in the Women’s World Tournaments of 1964-1968. The team won all five tournaments. Helen was selected World Basketball Association All-American in 1965.

She founded and coached Ursuline Academy’s basketball team from 1955-1971. Helen also played softball for 25 years for seven ASA teams. She won the Ft. Pitt Packing team Outstanding Player award in 1953. In 1965 she won the Sportsmanship Award. Helen played in many regional tournaments, playing third base and shortstop. Helen also participated in track, winning the 50 and 100-yard dash events and the 440-yard relay in 1954, and a pentathlon in 1958. Helen received a CYO plaque for dedicated service in 1967."

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