Elizabeth Ann Douglas

Elizabeth Ann Douglas, a cherished mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 28, 2026, after a courageous journey with dementia. Born on May 24, 1945, in the vibrant neighborhood of Bay Ridge in Brooklyn, New York, Elizabeth was the beloved daughter of Norwegian immigrants, Harry and Dorothea (Jensen) Halvorsen. Her parents instilled in her a deep love for her heritage and an unwavering faith that guided her throughout her life. Elizabeth's career began with a position at an insurance underwriting company, but her passion for community and heritage led her to Nordisk Tidene, a local Norwegian weekly newspaper, before she settled into a fulfilling 30+year career as a Medical Assistant at Bay Ridge Skin and Cancer Dermatology. Her colleagues and patients alike cherished her dedication, warmth, and genuine care. A devoted member of the 59th Street Lutheran Brethren Church in Brooklyn, Elizabeth dedicated much of her life to serving others there. She took great joy in working with children in Sunday School, Nursery and Pioneer Girls. She was a member of the church choir and loved singing for the Lord. Small group and Women's Bible Study were mainstays on her calendar. She was often found rushing around in the church kitchen helping to prepare meals and snacks for church events. Her life of service in and outside of church embodied her profound love for Jesus and her commitment to helping others. Outside of her professional and community endeavors, Elizabeth found joy in life's simple pleasures. She loved the beach, bicycle rides, and leisurely walks along Shore Road. She enjoyed her yearly ski trips with friends and trips with family. She had a knack for baking treats that she generously shared with family and friends. Elizabeth never met a baby that she didn't want to hold. She loved "sunning" herself year-round and enjoyed countless hours at the beach from the time she was young.. Elizabeth had the gift of the gab and if given the chance could talk your ear off. Sassy and strong willed, she was definitely a spitfire without an off button. In her final years, as her dementia progressed, she could be found working through word searches and "helping" her friends and caregivers in Heartland. Above all, her greatest joy came from being a devoted mother and grandmother. She loved her family fiercely, but the highlight of her life was becoming a Beste(mor) to her four grandchildren. She was always ready to babysit and had her special rice krispie and chocolate chip cookies ready to share with them. Breakfast would include Norwegian waffles, "good" Brooklyn bagels or Cheerios. Sharing her love of all seasons each grandchild learned how to make snow angels in the winter and search for shells and seaglass along the shoreline during the summers. Her Norwegian heritage was so important and she made sure to teach each grandchild the Norwegian table prayer and encouraged them to march each year in the Syttende Mai parade in Brooklyn. Every Christmas was filled with her Norwegian treats. She would serve them Norwegian meatballs with mashed potatoes and peas with joy for dinner or pizza as a treat. Beste was so proud of you Caleb, Wil, Ben and Cass. Elizabeth is survived by her daughter, Kari (Douglas) Janusz, her son, Jon Douglas, her son-in-law, Christopher Janusz, and daughter-in-law, Elizabeth (Owing) Douglas. She leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Caleb Janusz, Wil Janusz, Benjamin Douglas, and Cassidy Douglas, who were the light of her life. Elizabeth was predeceased by her beloved parents, Harry and Dorothea (Jensen) Halvorsen. Her family takes great comfort in knowing that she is reunited with them in heaven. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers and staff at Pioneer Care Heartland Memory Care Cottage for their compassionate and loving care during the last two and a half years of Elizabeth's life. We find it so fitting that Mom's last big meal at the cottage was meatballs, mashed potatoes and peas. Elizabeth Ann Douglas will be remembered for her unwavering faith in Jesus, her love for her family, and her tireless dedication to serving others. Her memory will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be deeply missed but forever held in the hearts of her loved ones. Her love for Jesus and her heritage are a legacy that will live on in her children and grandchildren. In lieu of flowers we ask that donations be made in Elizabeth's name to 59th Street Lutheran Brethren Church 749-59th Street Brooklyn, New York 11220 www.59thstreetlbc.com