Abigail Willa Doherty
In the early hours of Saturday, November 30th, the world lost a bright light–Abigail Willa Doherty. Abby, affectionately known as ‘Roo’, was born on July 2nd, 2005. She had a smile and energy that was infectious. There was a twinkle in her eye as she laughed, and all those who knew and loved her will cherish how she could be both tender and sassy at the very moment that we needed it the most.
She loved animals–especially Zeppelin, Trixie, Bowie, and Winnie: her sweet and loving nature drew them to her, much like her lifelong core group of friends whom she dearly loved. That was Abby–she lived out loud in her uniquely personal sense of style, and she loved passionately.
We knew Abby as an explorer, trying anything that came her way and bringing the rest of us on her journey, even documenting those cherished memories in her body art to keep them at her fingertips.
However, we couldn’t speak about Abby without honoring her love of everything theater. She loved the stage, but even more than that, she loved fostering that love with hundreds upon hundreds of other young people throughout the area. Abby loved family, and she was blessed with so many of them–her Ghostlight family, her ‘mudrewm’ family, her LTHS family, and most of all, those who were honored to call her family: her devoted parents and siblings, and each and every grandparent, aunt, uncle, cousin, and extended family member.
There are not enough words to express the love that we will forever hold in our hearts for Abby and for the profound depth of our grief. We are bereft, and we will strive to live our lives with her beautiful spirit to guide us.
Abby is survived by her parents Michael and Micki (Kriz) Doherty; her siblings Jack and Kate; her grandparents Michael and Willa (Osterholt) Doherty, Donald and Eileen (Cooks) Kriz; her aunts and uncles Kim (Mike) Atwater, EJ Roberts (David Greene), Becky Kriz, Ryan Doherty (Grant Sahr), Sean (Deanne) Doherty, Karen Martin, Barb (Mark) Purcell; her godparents, Kelly Doherty and Mike Atwater; her cousins Tyler Roberts, Kevin Atwater, Ethan (Emerald) Roberts, David (Elizabeth) Atwater, Daniel Atwater, Molly Doherty, and Emily Doherty.
She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Diane Kriz; her great-grandparents Patrick (Shelia) Doherty, Joseph (Francis) Kriz, William (Jessie) Osterholt, and Joan ‘Pickles’ and Frank ‘Bing’ Mokos; her great aunt Adele (Osterholt) McCullar, her aunt Maura (Doherty) Avis, her aunt Deirdre (Doherty) Klem, her uncle Keith Roberts, and her cousin Ben Purcell.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Abby’s home away from home–Ghostlight Theater (https://www.ghostlightetc.com/donate) –to help other young people to find and follow their passions.
Visitation 1pm until 9pm with a 6pm chapel service on Wednesday, December 4th at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th St., Countryside. Interment will take place privately. Additional information: 708-352-6500
Besma and I are so very, very sorry for your profound loss. Please know you are all in our thoughts and will be here if you need anything.
Our deepest sympathies.
Derek and Besma
Sean, Brad and I are so extremely sorry for what myst be a huge loss. Please let us know if we can provide anything at all. God bless you and your family in what most definitely is a very difficult time. God bless your angel niece. We are both out of town on Wednesday, orr we would be at the funeral.
What a beautiful soul. What a profound loss for all of us. Jeffrey and I are keeping you in our prayers during this time especially.
To the entire Doherty Family…we are so saddened to hear the news of Abigail’s passing. Please accept our most sincere condolences. Paul and Joan Hruby
There are no words that can express this loss. Praying for you as you gather together. Love, Helen and Lynn Rehn
My heart aches for you. Abby’s memory will live forever in your hearts and in the stories you share about her life with others. Prayers for your family.
Mike, Sean, accept my deepest condolences for your loss. It’s tough for me just to imagine the pain you are having at this time. My prayers are with you and your family. God bless you all.
I cannot imagine the depth of your pain at this time. Please know my girls and I will be praying for your whole family. The world will not be same without her. Our deepest condolences
Mickey Sullivan and family
Abby’s bright smile and loving spirit will be indescribably missed. Heaven has gained a bright star. Her legacy of kindness and love will live on in you—her lovely family, and in her devoted friends. We are mourning this devastating loss with you. Condolences, love and strength to you all.
you have my deepest condolences
I am thinking of you and your family. I’m so very sorry.
Laura Nolan
Oh, Micki, I cannot imagine your heartbreak at the loss of your beloved little Roo. We are so very sorry. Brad and I are sending you love from afar to your whole beautiful family.
I am so saddened for you and family. My deepest and heartfelt sympathy and condolence for your tragic loss.
Heartbroken for your family and all who loved Abby. May our entire community surround you in love, light, and support in the days ahead.
There are no words, I just can’t imagine the pain you’re all feeling. My deepest condolences to you all. Thinking of you. 🙏❤️
Doherty family,
We would like to express our deepest condolences. You are in our thoughts constantly. Sweet Abby’s loss is incomprehensible and heartbreaking. We are here for you anytime if you need anything.
Love,
The Cross family
With the deepest condolences and warmest prayers for you all.
Our hearts break for you, Micki, at this unimaginable time. May Abby’s light continue to shine through everyone she touched, particularly your Ghostlight family.
Michael, Micki and family, I am so deeply sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter. Such a terrible tragedy. There are no words to help this pain. I pray that God can somehow ease your suffering in this time of need. Amen
I am so, so sorry for your loss. My heart breaks for you and your family. Hugs – Barb Simon Maggie Pollitz grandma.
My heart breaks for your loss. Abby was vibrant and brought so much to this world. The lives she touched were lives she enriched. We pray for a peace that surpasses all understanding for you and for all her family and friends.
Our deepest condolences for your loss. Abby’s sweet personality will be always remembered. You and your family will be in our prayers.
Leo, Bella, Sandra and Ruben
our deepest sympathy. My son Thomas Bosshart went to LT with your daughter. They would hang out with friends in Fontana. My son said she was always great at hyping him up. I can see he is sad about Abbyyy. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Doherty family,
Your loss is not measurable; nothing can replace your beautiful, talented and caring child. Know that her outstanding interests and accomplishments will be celebrated by all who knew her. Our prayers and thoughts are with your family as you process your loss and celebrate her memory. God bless each of you.
Michael, Micki and Family,
Our deepest condolences, we are so sorry for you all. We just heard about your daughter tonight. Peace & Love. You are all in our prayers.
Love,
Brian, Lynnette, Cece & Lily
Extending our deepest condolences to you Micki and your family. I cannot imagine the depth of this tragedy and the pain you are in. I am praying for you and all that love Roo. I’ll never forget the joy she brought as a little dancer on stage! She was and will always be a shining light! God bless you all….
Kelly Therapos and Family
Sending you our love and know that you are ever present, in our thoughts and prayers.
Please accept our heartfelt condolences, for the loss of your incredible Abby.
Love, Eileen and Jerry