Maryann Ochs Douglas

SOUTHWICK- Maryann Ochs Douglas died peacefully at home on April 11, 2011. She was born in Allentown, PA, the daughter of Robert E and Ethel Roth Ochs. She studied art at Syracuse University and the Springfield MFA School, and was a graduate of Moravian College in Bethlehem, PA. Maryann served in the US Navy during World War II as a Link Trainer Instructor and lived and worked in Philadelphia for five years. She met and married Richard K. Douglas, MD of Westfield, and after he completed his US Naval service they returned to Westfield where she helped manage his surgical practice. They were intrepid travelers and avid sailors, cruising extensively around Cape Cod and the Maine coast until his death in 2007. The many dogs that they loved and owned over the years were an integral part of their life together. She had served as a leader for the Girl Scouts and as a swim instructor and long time volunteer for the Red Cross. She was an active member of the First Congregational Church of Westfield, UCC, most recently serving as a Deacon there. She has been a loyal member of the Tuesday Morning Club for over 50 years. Maryann leaves an impressive body of artwork in a variety of mediums and styles including portraits, landscapes and still life. In addition, she served on the Westfield Arts Council and painted with a local group for many years. She was admitted as a Fellow of the American Impressionist Society, and her work has been exhibited throughout Massachusetts and Maine. Maryann leaves her brother Robert E Ochs of Vista, CA and numerous nieces, nephews and many dear friends both locally and throughout the country. She will be missed. In lieu of flowers, gifts in her honor may be made to: The Memorial Fund, First Congregational Church UCC, 18 Broad Street, Westfield, MA 01085. A memorial service will be held on May 15, 2011 at 2 PM at First Congregational Church UCC, Westfield, MA. Burial will be in Pine Hill Cemetery, Westfield, MA. New England Funeral & Cremation Center, LLC 25 Mill St., Springfield, MA is assisting the family. For expressions of sympathy please visit www.nefcc.net