Dorothy Anne Bledsoe

Dorothy Anne Bledsoe

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).

Please see more about Anne and sign the guest book at:

www.bonneywatson.com.