Maryann always had an enormous smile, that was so infectious especially when she was out in Nature. It was such a joy to be around her, and she shared her knowledge of the natural world with kindness and excellence. Maryann, so happy to know you are now high above us in the canopy, with birds and bees and all of the nature that you so loved. Thank you for sharing your passions with all of us humble humans. 

TO MARY ANN BRITTAIN “THE MOST IMPORTANT PERSON IN MY LIFE”

My name is Miguel Castañel. I am from Ecuador, South America. 

I met Mary Ann in 1995, on a fellowship program from the Kellogg Foundation. I was one of the Fellows. She was at an elevator wearing a blue whale T-shirt, and I was wearing a purple T-shirt with leaf cutter ants from the jungle of Ecuador. We look at each other and said “I want that shirt” since then we became very good friends.

Then since 2004 she started the program “Teachers of Excellence” with the North Caroline State Museum of Natural Sciences and the support of Heifer International. I was her Ecuador translator and Culture interpreter, hired by Heifer Ecuador.

Mary Ann was “the most important people in my life” because she brought so much powerful energy that was shared all over she was going and that showed me an example to follow and gave me a purpose that created a meaning and because of that I wanted to be a teacher as she was.

If we want to talk about a woman that made an impact on people´s life, Mary Ann Brittain is the one.

Mary Ann will keep on her journey all the time and her light will keep enlighten lots of people, because those kinds of humans never die.

Mary Ann, finally you were able to visit me here in the rainforest and will remind always helping to link humans and nature here and there.

With much love, 	

Your pupil, 

Miguel Angel Castanel
RAINFOREST OF ECUADOR.
SOUTH  AMERICA


I first met Mary Ann when I was a college student working at the Museum of Natural Sciences when she began her career there.  I remember the energy and passion that entered the room when I first met her then and every other time after that.   I feel privileged to have known her and worked with her for many of those years.  She packed a lot in her life and selflessly shared her passion for life and our natural world with all around her.   Her legacy as an educator is immeasurable!  The world is a much better place because of Mary Ann.  I celebrate the life she lived and her many accomplishments.  My only sorrow is for those who will not have the privilege of knowing her in person.  But her work and passion for nature does live on in the lives she has touched, and thus she will positively touch the lives of those who will never have the honor of meeting her in person.  Rest in Peace, Mary Ann!  We will continue to see you in the beauty of our wonderful natural world that you so loved sharing with us!

I remember Mary Ann from several (30?) years ago when we played soccer together!  Also I worked with her husband briefly during a hospitalization.  A wonderful lady!

Mary Ann was a true friend of the heart. After a hospital stay once, I was delighted to find her at my door bearing a big pie. "No one else is to eat it," she said laughing. We went to the Heifer farm for lambing together and laughed again till we were weak. She was a wonderful spirit who will be missed.

Mary Ann touched so many lives.  I worked with her at the Methodist Home for Children and know the impact she had on children. She saved and rejuvenated so many teachers through the Educators of Excellence program at the Museum.  I was a tired depressed science teacher that Mary Ann saved with an inspired method of educating others with hands on experiences through the Educators of Excellence Program.  She saved me from burnout and inspired me to continue to teach for 30 years. Her impact on NC Science Education is incalculable. 

1976, Mary Ann and I took a group of rising 6 graders camping on Pea Island. 
We all ended up outside in our sleeping bags because the mosquitoes preferred our tents. No problem, that's just the way it was.
Mary Ann, an awesome, lovely, spirited woman. I am so thankful our paths converged. 
Peace, my friend. 


Mary Ann a spirit so full of wonder and action - to be included in her life journey was a gift.   Words are inadequate to express my awe and appreciation for all the joy and knowledge she shared and passed to others.   Thank you, Mary Ann for taking me and Heifer International to be part of your life.
Her music will never stop.....Becke

OBITUARY

Mary Ann Brittain

May 20, 1942 – March 17, 2019

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