Maria Antoinette Woodson Dann

Maria Antoinette (Woodson) Dann, 50, passed away Thursday, November 3, 2011 following a car accident. Maria is survived by loving husband Ted Dann, son Michael Woodson, mother Ann Thanos of Weldon, NC, and sister Joanne Fryer. Maria is in the loving arms of her father Charles Thanos.

She is also loved and will be missed by Ted’s mother Gert Dann, sister Diane Dann, nephew Dann Ashcraft and niece Adrienne Ashcraft, all of Akron, Ohio.

Maria had a zest for life and loved her many friends, family, co-workers, and dogs. Maria was an enthusiastic aspiring photojournalist.

Maria taught 2nd grade at Ravenscroft Elementary school for twelve years as an innovative, passionate teacher that enjoyed helping students progress from the start of the school year to excel in each subject in a positive, encouraging learning environment. Maria progressed to curriculum coach at Granville County Schools. We will miss her teaching gifts, compassion for others, and the special way she began and ended each day with her bright, beautiful smile.

She touched the lives of many, not only through teaching but, through her many hours of volunteering at the Wake Medical Center’s children’s hospital. Maria enjoyed working with young patients to select reading materials appropriate to age, interests, and most importantly keep their spirits positive.

Maria was an excellent creative writer. She used her talent for writing both in the classroom and wrote many short stories for children’s literacy development.

Togetherness

“Death is nothing at all. I have only slipped away into the next room.

Whatever we were to each other, we still are. Call me by my old familiar name. Speak to me in the same easy way you always have. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me, pray for me.

Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it always was. There is absolute unbroken continuity. Why should I be out of your mind because I am out of your sight? I am but waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just around the corner.

All is well. Nothing is past. Nothing has been lost. One brief moment and all will be as it was before – only better. Infinitely happier. We will be one, together forever.”

The funeral service will be held at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 5000 Lead Mine Road, Raleigh NC, on Monday November 7, 2011 at 11:00 am. The family will receive friends and family on Sunday November 6, from 5:00 - 7:00 pm, with the Trisagion Prayer Service at 6:00 pm, at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to SPCA of Wake, www.spcawake.org, in memory of Maria.

Condolences and special memories can be shared at www.BrownWynne.com.

Please take a moment to sign the guestbook on the right....