Colleen Dougherty Anderson, 71, of Waterview Drive, Smithfield, died Thursday, July 2, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.
Born in Waverly, New York, she was one of eleven children of Brenda (Drury) Dougherty and the late Ronald Dougherty. An avid, lifelong student, she earned a Bachelor’s degree from Cornell University, a Master’s in Library Science from University of Rhode Island, and a Master’s in Business Administration from Bryant University, where she had a long, distinguished career as a reference librarian. She also worked with the Millville Free Public Library in Millville, MA, over the years, most recently after retirement. She delighted in sharing her love of literacy with family, friends, and colleagues, believing deeply in the power of reading to educate and inspire.
Colleen’s family was her greatest joy and her lifelong devotion. She was the cherished wife of Roger Anderson for more than 40 years, and the beloved mother of her two daughters, Johanna Favole of Franklin, MA, and Kristina Ward of Cumberland, RI. In addition to her husband and daughters, she is survived by her sons in law, James Ward and Jared Favole; her treasured grandchildren, Jimmy and Rylan Ward, and Noelia and Giuliana Favole; her mother, Brenda; and siblings Patrick Michael, Daniel, Brian, John, Terrance, and Kevin Dougherty, Mary Wolski, Rhonda Christie, and Lisa Barber. She was predeceased by her father and brother, Ronald Dougherty, Jr. A profoundly faithful Catholic, Colleen was also a respected colleague and a well-loved friend to many. Her extraordinary kindness and gentle presence brought comfort, joy, and light to all fortunate enough to know her.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at 10am in St. Philip Church, 622 Putnam Pike, Greenville. The burial will be private. Visitation will be Tuesday, July 7, 2026, from 4-7pm in the Anderson-Winfield Funeral Home, Rt 44 at Greenville Common, Greenville. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Clinic/Philanthropy Institute, PO Box 931517, Cleveland, OH 44193, or the National Kidney Foundation, 209 W Central St, Natick, MA 01760.