In Memory of

Mary

Elizabeth

Douglass

Obituary for Mary Elizabeth Douglass

Mariliz Douglass, born in New York City on September 1st, 1925, had a rich and fulfilling life that touched the hearts of her family and friends. She was the third of eight children born to Thomas F. Hanley and Lillian Griffin Hanley. She joins in heaven, siblings; Tom, Rita, Jean, Benadette, and Corinne, and leaves behind loving brother Dan, and sister Therese. Mariliz was the matriarch of an incredible generation of parents including the Hanley, Rice, Murphy, Catallo, and Douglass families.

She graduated from the College of Saint Elizabeth in 1947 and embarked on a successful career in publishing at Holiday Magazine in New York City. As Shopping Editor, Mariliz was responsible for liaising with photographers, models, makeup artists and costume designers and choosing photoshoot locations.

In 1959, Mariliz met the love of her life, Paul Douglass, a Boston native, and they married in 1960. Together, they raised three sons, Scott, Mark, and Matt, on Long Island. Mariliz instilled in her children the values of faith in Christ, the importance of family and friends, and the significance of working hard to achieve success and happiness. She also played a significant role in the lives of her many nieces and nephews, supporting and celebrating their journeys from childhood to adulthood.

After dedicating a decade of service to the Mill Neck School for the Deaf in Mill Neck, NY, Mariliz retired to Cape Cod, MA. Despite the sudden loss of her husband, she created lasting memories for her nine grandchildren and family by providing summer and fall escapes to Cape Cod for 25 years. During this time, she pursued her passion for art, thanks to the support and encouragement of her dear friends at the Falmouth Arts Center. She traveled throughout New England, honing her artistic skills, and left behind a passionate collection of her creations for her family to cherish.

Mariliz Douglass was an inspiration to her family and friends, always challenging them to be their best and loving them unconditionally. Her legacy will live on, continuing to inspire and guide her loved ones. She is survived by her sons, Scott and Susan Douglass of Wilton, CT, Mark and Alina Douglass of Avon, CT, and Matt and Melinda Douglass of Fitchburg, WI, as well as her grandchildren, Ryan, Conor, Megan, Alison, Lauren, Lindsey, Britt, Sam, Gavin, and great-grandson Hudson.

She passed away peacefully but not without a fight, in Weatogue, CT, surrounded by her sons, leaving behind a legacy of love and cherished memories.

Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Thursday, September 14th at the Church of Saint Ann, 289 Arch Road in Avon. Donations can be made in her name to the Falmouth Arts Center in Falmouth, MA, www.falmoutharts.org . The Vincent Funeral Home of Simsbury is caring for the arrangements. Please visit Mariliz’s “Book of Memories” at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online tributes.