Sarah Alice Doherty, age 96, most recently of Johnstown, NY (formerly of Glenville, NY), passed away peacefully on July 25, 2026. She was born on November 21, 1929 in Bloomfield, NJ to Father Otto Burchhardt and Mother Margaret Parks.

Sarah was a genuinely talented and faceted spirit. She spent her early young-adult life in various areas of performance and music. Known for her unique contra singing voice, she participated in Schenectady Light Opera, as well as both the Binghamton Choral society & Vocano Music Club of the Southern Tier and during Order of the Eastern Star (George Hope Chapter) meetings. Sarah also was a soloist at various local churches, With respect to the Order of the Eastern Star, Sarah was a life member.

After graduating from Nott Terrace High School in 1948, Sarah worked at the General Electric Company in Schenectady followed in later years after raising her family, by working as a school teacher's aide for the Capital District BOCES.

Creating detailed photo albums, Sarah always documented family events, vacations and get-togethers. All celebrations deserved a beautifully set table, with personalized name placards and coordinating candles.
Sarah was known for sending a card or hand-written note for every occasion. She regarded each detail in her home as something very important, gardening outdoors, and tending to an extensive collection of beautiful hose plants. Sarah loved animals, always providing a loving place for her pets. Most notably, a grey tiger cat named 'Honey Bear'.

Sarah is survived by her children whom she loved, Sons George & Brian Doherty, and daughter Irene Kauch; Grandchildren Brendan Doherty & Corene Morehouse; Great-grandchildren Rernie Kay Morehouse & Samuel Arthur Doherty; daughters-in-law Sharon (Dulkis) Doherty and Linda (Rinella) Doherty, son-in-law Eric Kauch and various nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bernard Allen Doherty, whom she married on July 28, 1951; brothers Robert, John & George Burchhardt; sisters Sybil Daley, Naomi Kissel and Rosemary Powers; Daughter-in-law Cynthia Jean Yurkewecz Doherty.

A celebration if life honoring Sarah will be held on Wednesday, July 29th beginning at 3 pm at the Bekkering-Ellis Funeral Home, 1 Mohawk Avenue, Scotia, NY.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Sarah's memory to the following charities, The Eastern Star Home & Campus 8290 State Route 69, PO Box 959, Oriskany, NY 13424 and the Animal Protective Foundation 53 Maple Avenue, Schenectady, NY 12302.