Mary Elizabeth Twiss

Mary Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Twiss, a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away leaving behind a family enriched by her love, creativity, humor, and unmistakable spirit.

Liz was raised in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, the daughter of Mary and Edward Korzeneski, and the region remained important throughout her life; the warmth, character, and sense of tradition she carried from childhood are ever-presentin the family she would come to establish.

Liz is survived by her sisters, Susan Burgess and Martha DeWeerd and her brother-in-law, Johan DeWeerd; her three children, Amanda Twiss and her spouse, Glenn MacDonald; Adam Twiss; and Martha Twiss Thorne and her spouse, Edward Thorne. She was the proud and loving grandmother to six grandchildren: Maranda Thorne, Liam MacDonald, Arianna Thorne, Shea MacDonald, Isabel Twiss, and Elijah Twiss.

Above all, Liz loved her family deeply. She was an involved and devoted mother and grandmother who found tremendous joy in bringing people together. She loved to cook and entertain and had a special gift for transforming ordinary occasions into memorable ones; Liz believed life was meant to be celebrated.

Christmas held an especially meaningful place in Liz’s heart. In recent decades Seattle became her principle gathering point; the activities, menus, and memories cultivated in those years reflected who Liz was: generous, imaginative, festive, and happiest when surrounded by the people she loved.

Liz was extraordinarily creative, embracing a lifelong love ofthe arts. She was a gifted artisan, took up many crafts, performed in the theatre, and possessed an infectious love of music (though jazz eluded her). Whether show tunes or poprecords, she could rarely resist singing along. Few things gave her more pride than watching her own grandchildren take the stage and perform.

Professionally, Liz worked as an editor and technical writer forstate and federal government projects. In this role, her intelligence, precision, and extraordinary attention to detail were highly valued, and she would remain fully engaged in this work till the age of 83. Her tenacity and determination for exactness were characteristic of both her personal and professional life.

While Liz knew how to make things beautiful, special, and memorable, her greatest legacy remains her family. The love she gave so freely, the traditions she established, her meals, songs, and celebrations continue on through her children and grandchildren. Although she will be deeply missed, she will be lovingly remembered, and the world is a better place for thetime she spent in it.

A service is planned on Wednesday 9/30/2026 at 10am ET at St Therese Catholic Church, located on 700 Nash St. N, Wilson, NC 27893. A Celebration of Life reception will follow at the home of Adam Twiss.