Obituary of Andrea N. Douglass

Andrea Nadine Douglass "Andy", 67, of Fleetwood, died on Friday, December 30, 2011 at home. Andy was born December 7, 1944 in Valley Stream, New York. She was the daughter of the late Eugene and Mary Patryk. After graduating from high school in Saugerties, New York, she attended the State University of New York at Geneseo, receiving a degree in Education. She taught school in Kingston, New York. In 1967 she married James Scott Douglass in Saugerties. A daughter, Gillian Lee, was born in 1971, and a son, Bradley Evan, was born in 1974. In 1979 the family moved to Matthews, North Carolina. After retirement, Scott and Andy moved to Fleetwood, North Carolina, where Andy joined the Blue Ridge Art Clan in West Jefferson. She took great pleasure in developing her talent for painting, and fellowship with other members. Above all Andy loved her family and friends. She was blessed with two wonderful children and spent many hours viewing gymnastics meets and soccer games. Andy championed all of her children's endeavors and was extremely proud of each of their accomplishments and lives. Her two grandchildren brought many new adventures & were a constant source of joy and laughter. Andy enjoyed viewing and participating in many sports. She played softball, volleyball and tennis. Her love of nature manifested itself in many ways � tending flower and vegetable gardens, taking long walks and feeding the many birds and deer that frequented her home. She was interested in and loved observing wildlife and many of her paintings included animals. Andy loved riding around the mountains, finding new places, and enjoying the unique beauty of the High Country. One of her favorite journeys was riding on the Blue Ridge Parkway with the top down in her Jeep! Andy also loved spending time at the beach and looked forward to her yearly week-long vacation in Myrtle Beach. She enjoyed photographing interesting and beautiful scenes to inspire future artwork projects. She was an animal lover and over the years provided loving homes to many pets � especially cats. Many cats found their way to her doorstep and Andy rescued many "outdoor cats" that eventually became a permanent fixture on the living room couch or bed. Andy was an inquisitive person who never tired of learning new things. She displayed a wonderful sense of humor. Her house was always filled with laughter. Her courage, creativity, curiosity and devotion to people and causes important to her are inspiring to all who knew her. Her life touched many and her family and friends will cherish the memories, traditions and experiences that made up Andy's wonderful life. Andy and Scott celebrated their forty-fourth wedding anniversary March 18, 2011. Andy always lived for each day and was always looking forward to the next chapter in her life. She is survived by her husband, Scott, her children, Gillian Hill and husband Ken of Randleman, NC, Brad Douglass and wife Brandy of Fleetwood, sisters Doreen Bonner of Phoenix, AZ and Judy Laughter of San Rafael, CA, and grandchildren Kaitlyn Hill and Caden Douglass. A memorial gathering for Andrea Douglass will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 14, 2012 at the Ashe County Arts Center in West Jefferson. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorials be made to the Ashe County Arts Council. Online condolences may be sent to the Douglass family at austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Douglass family.