Suzanne Douglass, a noted studio artist in the Hunterdon and Bucks Counties area, died on Monday, August 1, 2016 at Neshaminy Manor in Warrington, PA. She was 91.

Born and raised in McDonald, PA, Suzanne attended the local schools. Her father, Leon Douglass, was the owner of the local pharmacy and soda shop. The family first came to this area when Suzanne’s grandfather became a Pennsylvania oil wildcatter. Suzanne attended Muskingum College (now University) in Ohio but she left school to join the World War II war effort in Miami, Florida. She worked as a typist for the teams preparing medical supplies to be shipped to the war front. She later lived in Wilmington, DE, West Chester, PA, Upper Montclair, NJ, and Washington Crossing, PA. She relocated to Lambertville in 1970.

Suzanne’s love for art was first awakened by her mother, Florence, who would hold a very young Suzanne on her lap to sketch teacups and saucers. Suzanne worked in various media with a concentration in oil, producing three series of paintings throughout her life. Her work depicted still lives, Delaware River scenes, and abstracted, emerging heads. Her work was shown in area galleries and museums as well as major exhibitions. Suzanne was generous with her work, donating pieces to charity auctions and fundraisers. Her annual donation to the Annual Lambertville Shad Festival Poster Auction helped raise thousands of scholarship dollars for area art students.

Suzanne was a vital part of the Lambertville community. She opened the town’s first bed and breakfast inn, at the corner of Coryell and George Streets. She was a founder and charter member of the Lambertville Shade Tree Commission and served as a trustee of the Kalmia Club. Suzanne was a friend to many, both near and far. When asked what her religion was, she replied, “Kindness.” She was a familiar figure in town, always appearing with unique personal style and character. Her noted transportation modes were her green VW Beatle and her black bicycle. She could often be found having coffee with friends and other artists or strolling the town. Visitors to Lambertville, friends, and neighbors often peeked at her working on paintings through her lace curtains. At night she continued to paint while keeping a close eye on the river and moon.

Suzanne was the daughter of the late Leon and Florence Douglass. She is survived by her daughter Lisa Gladden Keyes and her husband Brian and her son Jeffrey Douglass Gladden and his partner Michele Manasse, all of New Hope; grandchildren Melina Manasse (Matthew Morris) of Brooklyn, NY, Evan Manasse of Manhattan, John Keyes of New Hope and Ross Keyes (Louise Feder) of New Hope; her great-grandchildren Felix Gendron of Brooklyn and Howard Keyes of New Hope; many nieces and nephews and so many friends.

A memorial gathering to celebrate Suzanne's life will be held on the afternoon of Sunday, September 25, 2016, starting at 12 noon at the James A Michener Art Museum, 138 S. Pine Street, Doylestown, PA 18901. Relatives and friends will gather in the museum's Putman Event Pavilion.

Contributions in Suzanne’s memory may be made to the Lambertville-New Hope Rescue Squad, PO Box 237, Lambertville, NJ 08530; The Holly Berry Huynh Memorial Scholarship at the James A. Michener Art Museum, 138 S. Pine St., Doylestown, PA 18901 or Wrapping Presence, Doylestown Presbyterian Church, 127 E. Court Street, Doylestown, PA 18901.

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