Doris Moriarty

Doris J. Moriarty, 91, Fargo, died peacefully Tuesday, September 16, 2008, at Rosewood on Broadway, Fargo, ND, under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley. Doris Jean Degnan was born March 19, 1917, to Dr. Harold and Ollie (Coil) Degnan in Pierz, Minnesota. Her birth certificate reads March 18, because of a misunderstanding of the time that she was born. As an infant, the family moved to Forsyth, Montana, where Doris grew up and attended school. She began college and worked for her father in his dental practice until she joined the U.S. Navy in January 1943, as one of the first females to enlist in Montana. After being honorably discharged in December 1945, she completed her college education in pre-dentistry at Montana State University. Doris married Dr. Darwin Moriarty in Forsyth, Montana on December 22, 1947. They settled in Council Bluffs, Iowa. In 1973, she and the children moved to Fargo, North Dakota, to open Cloud Nine Gift Shop in West Acres Shopping Center. Doris loved to stay active and was employed by McDonalds until age 81. She had been involved in Kappa Alpha Theta, PEO, AAUW and Altrusa. Doris loved being in the mountains, fly fishing, entertaining family and friends, and her dog, Koko. Above all, her children were the most important part of her life. She was a mother-figure and mentor to everyone, but especially to those friends closest to her children. Doris is survived by her son, Kevin (Carol Sullivan) Moriarty; and her daughter, Colleen Moriarty, both of Fargo, ND; and five nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Richard and Harold. Doris’ family wishes to thank the staff at Rosewood on Broadway for the exceptional care given to her and her family during her residence there. Prayer Service: Sunday, September 21, 2008, at 6:15 P.M., at Rosewood on Broadway, Fargo, ND, followed by a celebration of her life with family and friends.