Kathleen O'Doherty Brooker

Kathleen Lois Brooker (née O’Doherty) passed away on December 7, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Born April 19, 1963, in Concord, Massachusetts, Kathy grew up in a lively household as the seventh of nine children, including her twin sister, Barbara. Those early years—surrounded by the noise, warmth, and support of a big family—helped shape the devotion to family she carried throughout her life. Due to her father’s work, Kathy experienced several different homes growing up, spending time in Sudbury, Massachusetts, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Greensboro, North Carolina, Williamsburg, Virginia, and Covington, Virginia. After graduating from Allegheny High School, Kathy earned a bachelor’s degree in Management Science at Virginia Tech in 1985, where she was a founding member and President of the Management Science Club and a member of the Delta Sigma Pi Business Fraternity.

Following graduation, Kathy moved to Washington, D.C., to embark on a long and successful career in IT, including nearly three decades at Genworth Financial. It was while living in Washington that Kathy first met the love of her life, her husband, Shawn. After their wedding in 1991, they eventually settled in Lynchburg, Virginia, where they devoted themselves to their greatest accomplishments - raising and loving their four beautiful children.

Kathy cherished many of life’s blessings, but her greatest joy was time spent with others. From family gatherings, where “if you go hungry it’s your own fault,” to spirited tailgates at sporting events, neighborhood walks, or simply catching up over the phone, she shined brightest in the company of those around her.

She will be remembered for her warmth and affection, her courageous and optimistic spirit, and her endless desire to bring peace, love, and joy to those around her.

Kathy is survived by her devoted husband of 34 years, Shawn; her four children and their spouses: Daniel (Lauren), Gerard, Colin, and Elizabeth; her four brothers and their spouses: Patrick (Teresa) O’Doherty, Michael (Lisa) O’Doherty, Stephen (Nancy) O’Doherty, and Thomas (Laurie) O’Doherty; and her four sisters and their spouses: Margaret (William) Corcoran, Jane O’Doherty, Barbara (Doug) Young, and Beth (Kevin) Kennedy. She also leaves behind 32 nieces and nephews and 30 great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Philip and Lois O’Doherty.

A prayer service will be held at 5 pm on Thursday, December 18, at Tharp Funeral Home in Lynchburg, Virginia with a visitation to follow from 6-8pm. A second visitation will also be held at 11 am on Friday, December 19, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Lynchburg, Virginia. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 12 pm, also at Holy Cross, with a reception immediately after and burial at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Melanoma Research Institute or your local humane society.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.