Ann Marie Predaris

Born on September 4, 1956 in Salina, KS to Chuck and Sue Dorffeld, Ann lived a life filled with devotion to family and friends, a work ethic that included a gift for managing details and a long-time love of sun, sand and the outdoors.

As a military child, Ann learned resilience and adaptability throughout her school years in frequent moves, attending new schools and meeting new friends. She excelled in academics and was active in the Girl Scouts. As the oldest girl of six children, she helped keep the home running smoothly and her brothers and sisters on track. She was the second mom, was a swim instructor to Craven County for years and an example of leadership at work.

Upon graduation from Kailua High School in Hawaii, Ann attended East Carolina University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Political Science in 1979. She began a career in Retail Management as a bookstore manager for Borders and Waldenbooks, and later served as a Training Manager for new stores and in a Seasonal Business Area Manager role for Borders Group, Inc. In 2011, she accepted a retail management position with Marine Corps Community Services at Cherry Point MCAS. For the next 15 years, Ann was the General Manager of the Retail Division for MCCS Directorate, honored by the award of the Civilian Service Achievement Medal in 2024, as one of the top 4 performing MCX systems for overall sales.

Ann is survived by siblings Joseph Dorffeld, Ruth Stout (Gray), Robert Dorffeld (Julie), Mary Lewellyn (David) and John Dorffeld (Stephanie): nieces and nephews include Ashley Kernan, Brendan and Elizabeth Stout, April Ricco, Rhonda Krizak, and Dylan, Amanda and Evan Lewellyn; sister in law Kathy Daniels (Tommy), and special friends including Norma and Gary Sparrow, Leslie Belfrance and Chuck McGuire.

Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Chuck and Sue Dorffeld, and her loving husband Steven Predaris. Having met each other before college days, they were rarely apart outside of work and shared a common devotion to family, friends, and being in nature. Whether keeping up their beautiful homes and gardens, spending days at the beach, or just hanging out with friends, the two were active and involved outdoors. Ann and Steve were animal lovers and cherished their beloved huskies Katy and Maks, a bonded sibling pair who predeceased them.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, May 30 at 2-5 PM at Cotten Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to NPR or the charity of your choice.