Anne Doherty

Sister Anne Doherty, S.P., (May 6, 1928 – February 3, 2013) was an American educator, professor and psychologist. She served as the Superior General of the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana from 1981-1986. During her term, the Constitutions of the Sisters of Providence gained papal approbation.

She was born Teresa Anne Doherty in Indianapolis, Indiana to parents Patrick and Hannah Byrne Doherty and attended St. Philip Neri Parish. She entered the congregation on January 9, 1946 and was professed as a full Sister of Providence on August 15, 1953 with the religious name Sister Dennis.

Doherty graduated with a bachelor's degree from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College in 1963 and later went to Catholic University of America to earn a master's in psychology (1966) and a doctorate in clinical psychology and counseling (1969).

Doherty spent time ministering as an elementary educator in Indiana and Illinois and then went on to teach at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, Weston School of Theology and Martin University.

She also practiced psychology at several clinics in Vigo County, Indiana, including a stint as director of Clinical Services at Katherine Hamilton Center from 1972-1979. Her clinical interests included families with children as well as treatment of sexual abuse victims and offenders. She also directed attention toward the rural poor, leading to her testifying before a 1977 Congressional Hearing on Aging regarding the needs of elderly in rural areas.

Doherty began her term as general superior in 1981. She coordinated the building of Karcher Hall at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods and began renovation of the Church of the Immaculate Conception (Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana). She also oversaw the sale of the Immaculata College property in Washington, D.C. After her term, Doherty worked as a tribunal advocate in the Diocese of Monterey, California, and the Diocese of Gary, Indiana.

In 1984, Doherty was presented the President's Award from the Ancient Order of Hibernians in Indianapolis for exemplifying Catholicism and Irish heritage.

During her last years, Doherty lived with Alzheimer's disease. She died at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods on February 3, 2013 and is buried in the Sisters of Providence Convent Cemetery.