Ann Burliss

Ann Burliss, 99, formerly of Dracut, MA, Kennebunk, ME, and Naples, FL, passed away peacefully on February 28, 2022. Ann was the loving wife of the late James C. Burliss who passed four years to the day of Ann’s passing. A love story that lasted 71 years.

Ann was born in Dracut, Massachusetts November 7, 1922, the daughter of the late Arthur & Efrosini Demoulas. Ann attended Dracut High School and graduated in 1941. While working on Dummer Street Lowell, Mass. she met and married James C. Burliss on February 16, 1947. After marriage, the James C. Burliss and George A. Demoulas families lived together in Dracut, MA on what is affectionately known as “The Farm.” The farm supplied lamb and other products for the Superette / Demoulas Market. It was from these humble beginnings that Ann developed a strong work ethic and love for family. Ann worked for 17 years in the markets, as a cashier and clerk, up until 1956 when Jim and Ann built their home on Totman Rd. During WWII Ann played a critical role in running and managing the market while her brother George was serving in the military. George was thankful for our mother’s devotion and work ethic and praised her profusely in his correspondence from the war. Our mother was devoted to family from her childhood until her death.

Because of our mother’s loving and inclusive spirit, our home was the place that we all gravitated towards when we needed an honest opinion on how to manage adversity. Our mother had unconditional love for all of us and was a realist, what you see was what you got, no pretention. Her warmth and love were shared on many levels, but there was no denying that her culinary skills were exemplary.

It is with great sadness that our mother will no longer be part of our physical world. We will miss her thoughtful generosity, guidance, and loving smile. Our love and respect for our mother is immeasurable. Her beautiful spirit will live in our hearts forever.

Ann Burliss is survived by four children and their spouses, William and Doreen Burliss, Judith and Stephen Richardson, Marina K. Burliss, Dr. Charles and Kristin Burliss, and seven loving grandchildren, Cody, Madison, Ryder Burliss, Kathryn and Marina Richardson, Britt and Eden Burliss, nephew George and Janice Burliss and two loving nieces Fotene Demoulas, Diana Merriam, and their spouses and children.

The family would like to extend a special thank-you to Kim, Barbara, Jeff, and Suzie who over the past five years of caring for our aging parents became part of our family.

A celebration of life will be held privately in honor of our mother’s memory.

Donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.