Paula Dougherty

Paula M. Dougherty (Wychock), 60, of Lititz, PA, passed away March 28, 2026 surrounded by her loving family and friends.

Paula was born September 25, 1965, in Schuylkill County, PA to the late Daniel and Geraldine Wychock. After attending Mount Carmel Area High School, she graduated from West Chester University, and later in life, earned a Master’s Degree in Special Education from Albright College.

As an educator, Paula’s reach impacted thousands of students across the Warwick School District, Lancaster-Lebanon IU-13, as well as Reynolds and Lebanon Middle Schools. She was deeply dedicated to helping anyone she encountered, and proudly contributed her time to science by participating in a clinical trial for cancer research at Vanderbilt University.

Her heart was always filled by the people she loved. She shared a strong appreciation for music with her son, Joey Dougherty of Los Angeles, CA; theatre, sparked by her daughter Deena Dougherty, New York, NY; and teaching, like her brother Gary Wychock of Mt. Carmel, PA. In recent years, she enjoyed adventuring through life with her partner Paul Mays, as social members of the VFW Post 1463 in Lititz, PA.

In addition to her parents, Paula was preceded in death by her favorite “Aunt” Sandy Toy of Mt. Carmel, PA.

She was known by those around her as the life of the party, and was the heartbeat of her community; extending kindness to everyone she met. A Celebration of Life will be held Summer of 2026 to be announced by her children at a later date.