MaryAnn Breault

MaryAnn was born on February 27, 1967, in Brooklyn, NY to a big, loving family. Her father, Timothy Breault and her mother, the late Ann Marie Dosch, raised MaryAnn as a middle child among eight siblings. MaryAnn grew up with a passion for dance and sports and was a proud graduate of James Madison High School.

In her adult life, MaryAnn surpassed every obstacle to become an exemplary leader and scholar with a determination admired by all who knew her. With a BA from Columbia College and a MBA from Western Governors University, MaryAnn led a successful career in Healthcare Administration which included launching her own consultancy business in 2005 before rising to an executive financial operations role.

Nicknamed “Momma Bear” and “Marmee” for the immeasurable love she had for her children, MaryAnn was the best example of a mother. In her free time, MaryAnn was also a talented chef who found comfort in collecting cookbooks (despite never needing them). She enjoyed reading everything, listening to “happy” music, working out, and painting in her own style of beachy folk art. She was pure in spirit and stronger than most.

She always said, “Make it a great day,” and did her best to commit to it.

MaryAnn died a victim of domestic violence, but she never let it define how she lived. She tackled every day with a smile, despite her hardships. She was full of hope and forgiveness. She was honest and kind. She was known for her warmth, her contagious laugh, and vibrant blue eyes.

MaryAnn is remembered for her heart—one that was abundant with compassion for others and overflowing with a love of life.

Though taken too soon, MaryAnn is at peace. Her memory will be treasured by her family, friends, and loved ones—including members of the Cape Fear Pickleball Club, Brunson’s MMA & Fitness, and the Greater Wilmington tennis community—and all who knew her.

MaryAnn leaves behind her two adult daughters, Rachel and Katherine Knowles, and young son Erik Dimitrov. She is also survived by her father, Timothy Breault; five brothers—Tim, Rob, Michael, James, and Frederick Breault; three sisters—AnnMarie Gregan, Agnes Breault, and Madeline Gately; and many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and in-laws. She also leaves behind her cherished Whippet dog “baby deer” Pixel.

Also fondly remembered is her mother, Ann Marie Dosch Breault, who preceded her in death. It is the family’s wish that MaryAnn’s ashes will eventually be laid to rest with her parents, reunited forever in peace and love.

A public memorial and fundraiser benefiting Wilmington’s Domestic Violence Shelter and Services will be held March 4-6, 2022. The event, called Raise A Racquet Against Domestic Violence, will see teams compete in a charity tennis tournament in honor of MaryAnn Breault at the site of her death, Holly Tree Racquet & Swim Club (4950 Holly Tree Rd, Wilmington NC 28409). Teams can register until February 27 at https://wilmingtontennis.com/event/world-team-tennis-tournament/

Donations to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence are encouraged and can be made directly at ncadv.org/donate

Please check back here for updates, or contact rachel.knowles10@yahoo.com.

A Mother’s Picture
“A lady, the loveliest ever the sun looked
down upon,
You must paint for me.
O, if I could only make you see
The clear blue eyes, the tender smile,
The sovereign sweetness, the gentle grace,
The woman’s soul, and the angel’s face,
That are beaming on me all the while,
But I need not speak these foolish words;
One word tells you all I would say,
She is my mother; and you will agree
That all the rest may be thrown away.”
A poem by Alice Cary, selected from works compiled in The Beauty of Motherhood Hallmark Editions, 1967