Magistrate John Doherty has lived a colourful and fulfilling life. He has served as magistrate in many courtrooms across Victoria, both inner city and regionally. But, it was his family that was at the heart of his success. His wife, Maree and their daughter, Caitlin, were most important to him as a husband and father.
John speaks fondly of the year 1990 – the year he became a magistrate; the year he became a father for the first time, and it was the year when his beloved Collingwood Magpies won the inaugural AFL Grand Final.
Without the support of his wife, Maree, John says he might not have had the career he had. Maree and John strongly believed in helping others. Maree was often described as the type of person to give you the shirt off her back.
When Maree was asked by her close friend, and Mercy Health staff member, Marina Keenan to fill-in at the Emergency Department reception desk at Mercy Hospital for Women (MHW), she didn’t hesitate.
“I don’t think Maree knew exactly what she was in for, but she volunteered because she wanted to help. And so she went up there and she really loved it. And she always had this saying that she wanted to be a ‘useful engine’,” says John.
Maree loved volunteering at the reception desk. With an administrative background, and a caring disposition, she was a natural at the role. Eventually, she became an official member of staff, working mostly night shifts. Maree loved working at the hospital, simply because she loved helping people.
After almost a decade of service, turning colleagues into friends, Maree’s health started to further deteriorate due to a chronic lung disease.
Maree passed away peacefully on Mother’s Day in 2022.
John and Caitlin, who describe Maree as being a fiercely devoted mother, decided to create a scholarship in her name to support young women with children, who often have multiple jobs to get by.
Coming from humble beginnings himself, it occurred to John that he could honour Maree’s memory and at the same time help someone who might need a hand up.
“I can’t think of a better way to honour her and help the hospital. It keeps her memory alive with me and we will fund the scholarship for as long as we can.
Knowing that someone else will benefit from our benevolence makes Caitlin and I feel terrific,” says John.
The 2023 inaugural recipient of the Maree Doherty Bursary is Ruby Molnar, Administrative Officer at MHW. John and Caitlin want to encourage anyone thinking about creating a special bursary or scholarship to come on board.
“It’s good for the hospital and good for the recipient. You help them progress through their studies to attain a greater status and inspire them to do more research, more study and gain more qualifications,” John says.
If this story has you inspired to give, please contact Philanthropy Manager, Vicky Kapourelakos on vkapourelakos@mercy.com.au.
Last reviewed April 8, 2024.