Anne Bledsoe
July 11, 1947 - November 12, 2012
Obituary
Dorothy Anne Bledsoe passed away November 12, 2012 in Seattle. She was born on July 11, 1947 in Louisville, GA, and grew up near Augusta, GA.
Anne established a very successful hair salon in Augusta, which was unique for that era in the South when very few women were business owners. She became the first female member of a previously men-only club in her community.
In 1975, Anne met Seattle native Michael Bledsoe in the Bahamas. After a two year cross-country courtship, Anne and Michael married, and Anne moved to Seattle and they settled in Laurelhurst. Shortly thereafter, they purchased a salon in the nearby University Village, renaming it Headlines Salon where it has operated for over 32 years.
Anne had a unique ability to give to her family and manage a challenging business at the same time. The salon staff became her second family and she treated them as such. She was generous, courteous, and caring while at the same time devoted to her work. Her laughter was contagious. She loved to work out and walk daily for exercise and health. Her foot-tapping love of country music reflected her Georgia roots.
Anne’s generosity and her giving nature went beyond those close to her as evidenced by her support of organizations such as the Ronald McDonald House. She would always lend a hand to those who needed support while being mindful of the feelings of others. She was the master of frequent small acts of kindness and gave frequent praise for the accomplishments of those around her. She was a busy bee that could not be caught.
Anne felt that happiness is found along the way, not at the end of the road. She loved her journey. She loved her family, friends, staff, customers, and people in need. They loved her in return. Grace was innate in Anne, from a gesture of her hand, to the soft tone of her voice. She will be deeply missed by all that she touched.
Anne is survived by her husband of 32 years, Michael Stewart Bledsoe; sons, Chris Hensley, Beau Bledsoe (Nora), Scott Hensley; daughters, Brae Bledsoe and Chelsey Millward; grandchildren, Betsy Bledsoe and Audrey Bledsoe; brother, John Hadden (Joann); sisters, Bobbie McCoy and Edie Seigler; and several nieces and nephews. There will be a private memorial.
Contributions in Anne’s memory may be made to Ronald McDonald House Charity of Western Washington and Alaska, 5130 40th Avenue N.E., Seattle, WA 98105 (http://rmhcseattle.org/content/donate).
Michael & family, I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of Anne. This obituary is such a nice remembrance of her and perfectly describes the person she was. Many of us that knew her are no longer at the bank at U Village. My team is spread from WA to Maine now and we were all so saddened when we found out. We each have our own fond memories of her. She would often stop and tell me how great my staff was or how much she enjoyed her interaction with one of my tellers or how much she liked something we were wearing and it always made us feel so good. We always enjoyed her smile and happy attitude. Our condolences go out to you and may Anne rest in peace.
Your friends at Bank of America
Dear Michael,
I was so sorry to read in the paper of Anne’s passing. I will always remember being her friends. I am so sorry for your loss.
Thinking of the family and the good times we had as kids at at the Hensley/Bledsoe house. Condolences to the Family.
Dear Michael, I am so very sorry to hear about Anne. She was such a delight and made us all laugh and enjoy our early morning workouts at Curves. She will be greatly missed.
My prayers and sympathy are with you and your family.
Allison
Dear Mike,we are in shock,and can hardly believe this could have happened.Our thoughts and love are with you and your family.I’m so sorry, Paul
We are truly sorry to hear of Anne’s passing. Certainly we thank Ruby for letting us know. She will be missed. Best wishes to you Michael.
Michael. What a beautiful report. Card of. Anne s life my thoughts. And prayers. Are to you for. The. Journey ahead. John
Anne was a special person, always gracious and optimistic, kind to everyone no matter who they were.
May the angels of paradise welcome her home.
Anne was my hairdresser for a very long time, and I will always remember her boundless energy and her kindness to myself and others. She gave our son, Colin, his very first haircut and I still have the pictures. I will always think of Anne with fondness.
Rest in eternal peace, Anne.
Chris
Dear Mike and Family. Mary and I are so saddened by Anne’s passing. Our best to you and your family.
I met Annie via my place of employment, the Sand Point Metropolitan Market.She was a regular customer often coming in after her AM walk on or near the Burke Gillman Trail. All dressed in black,with a flash light,(mace?) and a whistle, ready to meet any challenge. She was always pleasantly attentive and receptive to any conversation. She had kind words and praise for any customer service. One time she came in with a recipe for a “Canlis salad” she wanted me to create for a party. I can remember how pleased she was with the end result. I also remember her smile and dark eyes. I will miss seeing her.
Marlene Souriano-Vinikoor
Although Anne was my neighbor for many years in Laurelhurst it wasn’t until I began managing the store “Ecco” next door to Headlines. Every morning we exchanged chitchat…usually in the ladies room.The lock on my store’s door was so high, me so short, she always had her friend open it for me…After I left that job we still kept in touch, as a client,..through my marriage, birth of my child and divorce, she was always there for me…sending positive thoughts…What a southern belle! The accent, the jello with whipped cream for lunch, the kindness and manners and class…I will miss you so much Annie!!! Always in my heart! I love you! Kerry Beck
There is little to say except that I am very sorry and send my deepest sympathy. I will miss her warm and welcoming presence at Headlines.
Louise Leader
Anne was a major figure and contributor at University Village. I appreciated her energy and commitment to her Salon and to her many friends at work. God Bless her Spirit. tom
Andre and I send our deepest sympathies to you and your family. I remember the first time I met Anne and was immediately touched by her gentle spirit, beauty, and grace. She will be missed.
Our sincere condolences to the entire family.
I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories. We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love. -Leo Buscaglia
So sorry to hear this sad news.
With heartfelt condolences,
Sam Johnston
Michael,
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Anne. She was such a ray of sunshine in our early morinig workouts at Curves. She will be greatly missed. My sincerest condolences to you and your family.
Michael and family,
Our prayers go out to you in this time of grief and sorrow. Such a tragedy.
Richard Hill
Anne always had a smile and a kind thought to share. Her spirit will be missed at the Village….I am so sorry for your loss.
I know that this is a difficult time for all of you, our thoughts are with you and Anne.
Michael,
I was so sad to hear the news of the loss of your wife and for her company’s loss of its leader.
I may be 3,000 miles away, but if there is anything I/Strategies can do for you and your company, just ask and consider it done.
Your friend,
Neil
Mike, I am so sorry to hear of your most beautiful wife’s passing. A sad day indeed. Taken too soon and we know not why. Please accept my heartfelt prayers and thoughts for you and your family.
Michael,
We are so sad to hear of Anne’s passing. Please know David & I are keeping you, your family and your “salon family” in our thoughts during this difficult time with prayers for strength and love.
Blessings,
Margi & David
Having known Annie for nearly 40 years, I can say that every interaction with her was positive,,she always had a smile & hug to share. Loved the way she would cock her head a little, smile, and share something positive. I feel fortunate to have shared so many times with Annie and will miss her.
Our hearts go out to you, Mike.
Scott/Martha
Anne befriended me as a neighbor. She was warm, kind, and generously helpful when I was taking care of my husband. My husband passed away in Feb 2012. Anne and Michael have kept an eye on me to make sure that I am fine. I will miss Anne always.
Michael, “take care of yourself” as you often bid me to do.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Anne always had a warm heart and was full of kindness. We we’re lucky to know her. Her warmth and humor were a great complement to yours, Michael.
In honor of the woman who introduced me to Texas Champagne, the most delicious sauce in the world! I shall never forget the day you gave it to me. The way you were so warm, so friendly, and so excited to share something with others you thought was great. That will be my lingering memory of you; and that memeory will linger for all of my days.
With love, and in remebrance,
Ryan
I have known Anne since I was a kid and am so sad by this news. My daughter, husband and I looked forward to seeing her every Sunday while grocery shopping at QFC. She always made me smile. She was so generous and nice to everybody around her! I loved her visits to our dental office and I will miss her dearly! Thanks for my first boiled peanuts!
Mike I am so very sad for your loss! We loved Anne!
Anne was my hair stylist/colorist for over 30 years. I started seeing her in her first shop in the Village, across from Woolworths. My daughters grew up as her customers as well. Anne and I shared years of family stories, neighborhood tales and news of the latest favorite restaurants.
She is deeply missed.
To the Bledsoe Family. May our Heavenly Father Jehovah Gods promise to swallow up death forever (Isaiah 25:8) and resurrect our dear loved ones back to life on a paradise earth comfort you during this very difficult time. Revelation 21:4. Acts 24:15
Anne,a beautiful person in all ways,will in all ways be missed.
I have known Anne my entire life and her absence will surely be felt. I will miss Anne dearly; I could see how much of a positive impact Anne had on Mike in his life, and you will both be in my thoughts.
Anne was one of the most genuine,gentle and kind people I have ever met. When I first came to Seattle, she went out of her way to make me feel welcome, a quality unique to her personality. She was the foundation of her wonderful family and a great partner to Mike. I will always remember her kindness and will miss her very much.
Remembering Ann with her gentle heart and warm welcoming smile always made me realize peope are more similar than different. Her compassion found ways to share her true nature. We all want the same things and we each contribute uniquely and when Ann would let go of doubt her spirit would shine. In all the different places we saw Ann with Mike by her side she sought to connect to the things that were important to him. She is free now of this life and we will have to let her go but we will honor her by caring for each other especially Mike and their wonderful children.
There have been angels in my life. While they haven’t arrived with a blast of trumpets or a rustle of wings, I have known them just the same. You have known them, too, when just the right word was needed or when a tiny act of kindness made all the difference. Miss Anne was truly an angel, happiest when she was caring for others, and I will always treasure the memories of this lovely lady. We traded book reviews, exchanged recipes, and shared a passion for volunteer work, all of this during my bi-monthly hair appointments. My deepest sympathies to her husband and family and to her salon family – may God bless you with an extra measure of strength and comfort.
Our daughters, Holly and Devrie Dimond, attended school with Scott and Bo in Lauelhaurst. My mother and I had our hair lovingly styled by Anne. My mother visted us from the Midwest and always ask for Anne to coiffer her hair!
We have vwonderful memories of a delightful woman who truly loved and went the extra mile for so many of us!
I hope you will always remember your loving Anne with smiles and grateful hearts for she was an exceptional person.
We are sorry for your loss,
The Dimond Family
I was so sorry to hear of Anne’s untimely passing. Anne had such a way about her to make you feel cared about and loved. I always enjoyed her laugh and sweet spirit.
I trust your wonderful memories of Anne will bring comfort to your family.
I love you and miss you very much grandma!
Mike, you will be visited by Anne in your dreams for years to come, Strangely enough, anything un-said at her death will re-surface and you can tell her in your dreams of any un-spoken message. I know first hand at what a loss this is for you and hope you will go on to a new chapter in your life that will be fun and productive for you, Your sweet wife has left on a long journey that will eventually end in a return to you.
Love, Graham
“Oh, Queenie!” Annie used to call me “Queenie” or, “Q-E” elongating the “E”. I worked for her in the 80’s when I was just starting out. Annie silently taught me that women could do anything they set their minds to, including, but, not exclusive to, being a successful business owner.
she was instrumental in my obtaining my first credit card (I.Magnin, of course!), my first fur coat, (it WAS the 80’s) and my first Louis Vuitton handbag.
I remember the story of how she and Michael first met, he asking for a sip of her drink in the Bahama’s and her being a very Southern lady, took great offense. Look where it ended. A very successful partnership in every way. Independent, yet, very together. And together they raised very polite children. Chris and Scott always said “please, thank you, and Ma’am”. Beau and Brea equally respectful.
She led by example. Showing that you can still have a tough resolve while still being sweet. Attracting more bees with honey than vinegar, and showing how to get things done the way she wanted them done.
She loved the soundtrack to “Urban Cowboy” and, the Eagle’s “Please come home for Christmas”.
We had a great team, and a great time. Annie, Keith, Jamila, Jim, Marilyn, myself, and later, Ruby.
I passed her a year ago in the bank, both of us rushing by, and, I thought to myself, “I should grab her and say hello”, then I thought about how often I was at that B of A and decided that I would catch her another time. Now, that time has passed and I can never get it back. I will always regret that I didn’t take the time to stop her, tease her, thank her, and give her a hug.
Michael and family, I hold you all close to my heart.
I had the privilege of spending some fantastic time, including several holidays, with the Bledsoe family. Anne was always full of joy and brightened my day. I will always treasure those memories and I am grateful for the friendship. Anne was a wonderful person and she will truly be missed.
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Bledsoe family.
Anne will be greatly missed by all of her countless clients who she adopted as friends. She had a ministry of encouragement to each of us over the decades, sensing just what to say or do to lift our spirits. She did all our hair for my daughter’s wedding and mine for my mother’s funeral giving me support when I needed it. Anne was an outstanding woman who enriched all our lives! We will hold her in our hearts always!!
To Ann’s family,
I remember Ann as a warm, generous, sparkling woman and I deeply regret her untimely death.
I didn’t know Anne, but Mike was a classmate of mine. From what I’ve read here, she was an amazing woman who touched many lives. Celebrate who she was and the wonderful life she lived.
Mike
Sorry to hear about your wife. I remember her kindness.
Kevin
Michael my thought are with you I recently learned about Anne I worked at the Salon in Beauty school in 1982 fond memories
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