Mary Ann Pointer, 88, of Raleigh, N.C. peacefully passed away at home surrounded by her children on Sunday March 22, 2026. Born on March 30, 1937, in Fairfield, Connecticut, she was the beloved daughter of Cecil H. Gardner and Elizabeth M. Gardner. She was educated in the public schools of Greenwich, Connecticut, graduating from Greenwich High School. Guided by her father, Mary Ann took up marksmanship and excelled, earning her Pro-Marksman rating as a Junior member of the National Rifle Association.

She was a lifelong lover of the ocean and spent youthful summers as a lifeguard at Tod’s Point in Old Greenwich, Connecticut. Never missing a chance to jump in the water in her youth and well into her older years, she would often swim farther offshore than her children were comfortable with. Like the ocean, her eyes were a beautiful blue which was, fittingly, also her favorite color.

Following high school, she embarked on a career as a stewardess with American Airlines, based in New York City. Her fondest memory from her years as a stewardess was being personally selected to attend to Coretta Scott King — civil rights icon, activist, and widow of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It was a moment she never forgot.

Mary Ann met her future husband, Robert W. Pointer Jr., on a blind date at West Point, the United States Military Academy. The couple married in July 1961 in Granada Hills, California, and were blessed with three children.

She took to life as an Army officer's wife and supported her family with the same spirit she brought to everything — relocating thirty times, living in Korea and Germany, and planting roots wherever the military took her family. She was a devoted member of the Officers’ Wives Club, serving in various roles and rising to president.

Mary Ann returned to West Point often over the years, enjoying alumni functions and cheering on Army football. Her generous spirit extended throughout her life in countless acts of service — she volunteered with hospice patients, cared for AIDS patients during one of the most difficult chapters of the epidemic in the 1980s, and was a lifelong volunteer with the Red Cross.

She was known for her unmatched kindness and warmth. Her children, family and friends refer to her as the nicest person they have ever known, earning her the nickname “Saint Mary Ann.” For many years Mary Ann made her home in New London, New Hampshire, enjoying the beauty of its mountains and lakes, and the closeness of her sister Betsy, brother-in-law John, and many dear friends.

She spent her final years in North Carolina in the loving care of her son Bill, her grandson Skyler, and Skyler's mother Jenn — surrounded by family until the very end. She finally had the dogs she had always wanted. Tracks, Kingston, Renegade “Piggie”, Bullet, Sniper and Missile were her constant companions and protectors.

Mary Ann’s last words were, “It’s a beautiful day.”

Her life will forever be cherished by her children, Karen (Russell) McPherson of Salem, VA, Bill Pointer of Raleigh, NC, and Mara Pointer of Brainerd, MN; her grandchildren, Elizabeth Page (Jeremy), Emma (Michael) Bohnenstingl, Tyler McPherson, Chloe Pointer, Holden Larson, Skyler Pointer and their mother Jenn Pointer; her great grandchildren, Ross Page, Dresden Page; and sister Betsy (John) Bresnehan; niece, Megan Bresnehan; nephew Patrick (Kellie) Bresnehan; and countless friends. There will be a private family memorial service held at a later date.