CUMBERLAND, R.I. — Mercy Sister Mary Nathan Doherty, 81, a retired educator and administrator, died May 24, 2009 at Mount St. Rita Health Center. Born Frances Isabel Doherty in East Providence, she was the daughter of the late Louis F. and Sarah Isabel (Robinson) Doherty, and was the stepdaughter of the late Florence Doherty. A 1945 graduate of St. Mary Academy-Bay View, she entered the Sisters of Mercy on Sept. 8, 1945 and professed her vows on Aug. 16, 1951. She earned a bachelor’s degree in education from the former Catholic Teachers College in Providence and a master’s degree from Rhode Island College. During her 48 years of ministry in the Diocese of Fall River in Massachusetts she served as principal of St. John Baptist School in New Bedford from 1966-68; and at Holy Family/Holy Name School, also in New Bedford, from 1973-75 and from 1978-1989. She retired in 1996. Besides her religious family, the Sisters of Mercy, she leaves a sister, Hope McDowell of Warwick, R.I.; and nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late James W. Doherty and L. Carol Saunders. Her Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated May 27 in Mount St. Rita Chapel in Cumberland. Burial was in St. Ann Cemetery in Cranston. The Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals in New Bedford was in charge of arrangements.