Ann M. (Blaisdell) Hadley taught us many things in her 81 years of life: window screens at the Dandelion Ice Cream Shop are completely soundproof, chihuahuas are a great defense against a black bear, and if your grandchild gets stung because she tried to pet a fuzzy bumblebee, don’t help her, just laugh for three hours instead.
On October 6th, 2026, she earned her angel wings, but she already had an angel’s heart. So if you ever see an angel with a halo that’s a little bit off-center, and “Riiiick!” is echoing through the halls of heaven, you’ll know for sure that’s her.
Ann Hadley was a resident of Tewksbury, MA for the past 48 years. She built a loving family with her husband, Richard Hadley (Rick), with whom she celebrated her 62nd wedding anniversary on September 20th. They have three children: Katherine Patzke (Kathy) and her late husband Charles R. Patzke (Chuckie), Richard Hadley Jr. (Ricky) and his wife Pamela Hadley (Pam), and Ann Gerry and her husband Michael Gerry (Mike). She was deeply involved in her granddaughter Annmarie Hadley Alexander's life, with whom she shared an extraordinary bond. Due to this bond, her other grandchildren: Ethan, Brooke, Claudia, Emma, and Crystal were often also called “Annmarie”. She was also blessed to be a great grandmother to Blake Alexander II, who she always called “Baby Blake” regardless of his age.
No matter what life threw at her, even a hockey puck from her grandson’s hockey game, Ann Hadley always lead with kindness. It was often that she took others under her wing, both people and pets included, acting as a mentor and guide within their life. She often credited her empathy to Mary Ann, who encouraged her to build a relationship with God.
It was this faith that allowed her to constantly impact those around her with kindness. Among her favorite acts of love for her community, she adored transporting her special needs students at her job as a school bus driver.
As a devoted catholic and American patriot, Ann deeply loved God and country, and taught her family to stand up for what they believe in. She loved America and enjoyed camping to savor the beauty of the country. Ann spent much time in Bar Harbor, ME, which she shared with her family. From her love of God, Ann always hosted Christmas Eve, ensuring that Christ was the spotlight, by getting a cake that said, “Happy Birthday Jesus”.
Ann left hundreds of voicemails, all with her signature greeting. We like to think that when Ann knocked on heavens door, she said, “Hello, it’s only me!”, and God said, “I know, I’ve been waiting for you.”
All are invited to her graveside service to be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, October 14th, at Tewksbury Cemetery, 172 East Street, Tewksbury. Hadley family lot is located on Fred M. Carter Avenue in the cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation at www.t2t.org