Mary Catherine ‘Cathi’ Doherty, at 71

Mary Catherine “Cathi” (Runkal) Doherty, a longtime resident of Hull, passed away on Monday, June 2, 2025. She was 71.

She was born in Boston to Catherine Elizabeth (Winterbottom) and James Runkal and raised in Dorchester. She attended Dorchester High School and then enlisted as a medic in the U.S. Army. She took classes at Bunker Hill Community College and then went on to work as a letter carrier for the USPS for more than 30 years in East Weymouth and Milton. Her life was soundtracked by the laughter of her three sons.

In 2001, she met Steve Dunne through her brother. They were both originally from Dorchester and immediately hit it off. They had 25 years together, most of which were in Hull.

Ms. Doherty was an award-winning artist. Her art was a living thing – shifting, shedding, and stretching into new forms with every season of her soul; woodworking, painting, sculpting. During one evolution of her art, she began painting portraits on buoys for clients across the South Shore. She tended her garden like a sorceress of spring – every bloom a spell, every stone a secret. Step through the gate and you weren’t in a yard anymore; you were in an enchanted forest where koi whispered wishes and flowers told fairy tales. Her final art form was crocheting hats and dolls for her many grandchildren.

Ms. Doherty was a vibrant, authentic soul – artistic, funny, honest, and full of spunk. She saw beauty in the everyday, spoke her truth with heart, and made people laugh when they needed it most. Fiercely supportive and deeply real, she gave her love freely and lived with boldness and grace. Her presence lit up every room, and her memory will forever shine in the hearts of those who knew her.

Devoted mother of Brett Runkal and his wife, Samantha, of Plymouth, Matt Doherty of St. Petersburg, Florida, and Eric Doherty and his wife, Heather, of Hull. Beloved partner of 25 years of Steve Dunne of Hull. Adoring grandmother of Zander, Stashia, Jameson, Bella, Mikey, Jack, Owen, and Aislynn. Loving sister of John Runkal and his wife, Chris, of Foxboro, Bobby Runkal of Carver, and the late James Runkal. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to greet the family during the visiting hours on Sunday, June 8, from 1-4 p.m. in the Pyne Keohane Funeral Home, 21 Emerald St., Hingham.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Ms. Doherty may be made to DAV, Massachusetts State House, Beacon St #546, Boston, MA 02133