Mariliz Douglass, 98

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 was celebrated on
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.falmouthart.org.
The Vincent Funeral Home of Simsbury cared for the arrangements.
Please visit Mariliz’s “Book of Memories” at
www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online tributes.