Deane Dougherty

Deane Dougherty, adoring mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend to many, of Crofton, MD, and formerly of Lansdowne, PA and Fayetteville, NC, entered eternal life on February 16th, 2023, at the age of 54.  

Deane will be dearly missed by the many friends and family members who remember well her keen intellect and off-beat sense of humor, her exuberant spirit and generous nature, her energy and magnetism, and most of all her sense of purpose to give back to her community. She was kind and compassionate and cared deeply for the causes that touched the lives of at-risk youth and the homeless. As personally giving as Deane was, she also contributed throughout an impressive career serving the United States of America beginning at the age of 18. 

Deane briefly attended the University of Delaware but felt called to join the military within her first year. She enlisted in the United States Army and served for 7 years as a non-commissioned officer stationed at the White House Communications Agency.  As Operations NCO, she led all administrative and logistical support for various personnel while traveling in support of the President of the United States worldwide.  She was on the Presidential detail for George H.W. Bush and additionally served with the Clinton Administration.  Deane was a decorated veteran and was recognized as White House Communications Agency Operations NCO of the Year-1994. She was also awarded the Presidential Service Badge-1991, Joint Service Commendation Medal-1992 & 1994 and the Army Achievement Medal-1990, 1992 & 1993.

Deane left her commission in 1994 and continued in the Reserves for several years after moving her family to Fayetteville, NC. While there, Deane worked on a coalition that served at-risk juveniles and their families and was Assistant to the County Manager for the County of Hoke.  In this role, Deane nurtured her passion for public service, pursuing a degree at UNC – Pembroke where she proudly graduated with a 4.0 GPA, summa cum laude and a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration. 

In 2003, Deane and her family returned to Washington, DC where she built an admirable career within the federal government.  Her first role was at the Department of Justice – Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention where she managed a demanding portfolio in the Juvenile and Family Residential Management Unit.  In 2006, Deane transitioned to the Department of Homeland Security US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) where she oversaw six states' compliance with the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act and provided programmatic oversight for 55 at-risk juvenile justice community-based programs.  

Deane was then made Chief of Staff of Enforcement and Removal Operations before most recently becoming Deputy Assistant Director for Alternatives to Detention (ATD) at Enforcement and Removal Headquarters (ERO).    Deane superbly executed the duties of each role she undertook and leaves a respected legacy among her colleagues.  She was a tireless fighter for justice, a compassionate advocate for youth and youth programs, and was proud to faithfully serve the United States of America.  Deane touched thousands of lives through her committed work. 

Aside from her many career accomplishments, Deane’s personal life was filled with devoted friends and cherished family.  You could count on her lively sense of humor, her electric smile, infectious laugh, wonderful Italian meals and her devotion to everything Philadelphia, especially her beloved E-A-G-L-E-S Eagles! who gave her a great final season.

Deane is survived by her loving daughter Annina (Ernesto), mother Edwina, sister Karen, stepbrothers Mark (Jackie) and Adam (Patsy), nieces and nephews, ex-husband Brian and her fur-babies Blackie and Stella. She is predeceased by her beloved son Lucas, father Dennis, step-father Michael and brother-in-law John. Deane will be dearly, dearly missed.

Services for Deane will be held at the Community United Methodist Church 1690 Riedel Rd, Crofton, MD 21114   (410)721-9129   on Sunday, February 26th, 2023 at 1:00pm with a Celebration of Life luncheon to immediately follow in the same location.   A private interment will be held in Philadelphia at a later date.  If you can attend, please wear clothing to celebrate Deane’s life: bright colors only, no black. We invite you to also write, and possibly share, a memory of Deane; after all, there are so many.

Deane was a supporter of many local charities. In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Deane’s memory not only monetarily but in volunteering your time and energy to the following charities. 

Food Not Bombs – Baltimore
Donation page via St Luke’s Church on the Avenue:
https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/.give-one-time/5216347
(be sure to put Food Not Bombs in the drop-down menu)

Annapolis Lighthouse
Donation Page: annapolislighthouse.org/donate

Our Daily Bread
Donation Page: nourishingopportunity.org/donate

Food Rescue Baltimore
Donation Page: foodrescuebaltimore.org