Jessica Doherty, 22, Had Deep Love of Animals

Jessica L. Doherty of West Tisbury died unexpectedly Saturday March 29 at home. She was 22 years old.

Jessica was the daughter of W. Charles Doherty of Rumford, R.I., and Susan R. (Savary) Leland of West Tisbury, and stepdaughter of Leslie H. Leland of West Tisbury.

Jessica was born in New Bedford and lived in Dartmouth before moving to Martha's Vineyard in 1990. She was graduated from the Martha's Vineyard Regional High School where she played junior varsity soccer. She later attended training with the Job Corps in Devens and attained her certificate as an automotive technician.

Jessica's love of animals led her to volunteer her time and care at the MSPCA. She enjoyed fishing, working with automobiles, playing soccer and basketball and spending time with animals and her friends, but especially time spent with her family.

Survivors include her parents; her brother, Ben Doherty of UMass Amherst; three stepbrothers, their wives and children, along with many aunts, uncles and a number of cousins, all of whom will miss her dearly. She was predeceased by her maternal grandparents, Robert W. and Jane L. (Small) Savary, formerly of Brookfield.

A memorial service will be held to honor her life at the Faith Community Church, Meeting House Road, Edgartown, at 1 p.m. on Friday, April 4.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the MSPCA, P.O. Box 2097, Edgartown, MA 02539.