Ann Bradburn

Ann Bradburn, 96, a six-year resident of Pinehurst, died peacefully in her home on Wednesday, May 16, 2012, after a short illness.
A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, June 1, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, in Pinehurst.
A native of England, Mrs. Bradburn was born Ivy Annie Woods, Feb. 4, 1916, in Peaslake, Surrey. One of 11 children, she was the daughter of the late Francis and Gertrude Woods.
She was preceded in death by her sisters Della Roser and Mavis Luff; and brothers Frank, Victor, John, Robert, James, and Geoffrey; and by a stepson, John A. Navin, Jr.
Mrs. Bradburn is survived by her husband, William J. Bradburn; her daughter, Jacqueline A. Ridout, of Peabody, Mass.; a sister, Gena Roser, of Surrey, England; sisters-in-law, Jane Woods, of Surrey, England and Anna Navin of Port Charlotte, Fla.; and a brother, Vernon Woods, of Spain.
She is the beloved Auntie Ann to 20 nieces and nephews, 24 great nieces and nephews, and 10 great-great nieces and nephews; a beloved stepmother and step-grandmother; and one who is loved dearly by all her loyal and cherished friends.
Ann came to America in the 1950s after marrying the late John A. Navin, a U.S. serviceman, and resided in various locations in Mississippi, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Colorado and Florida before coming to Pinehurst. She was a woman of great pride, always taking great care to look and do her best. She was extremely proud to be an American and equally proud of her British heritage, so much so that she retained dual citizenship after becoming an American citizen in 1994. She and her husband, William, met while living in Colorado and married in 1997.
Ann was one of those rare persons who just had a zest for life and who never lost sight of one’s childhood perspective. She was a very loving, caring, and giving person. As well, she was a very outgoing person who loved to socialize and entertain friends in her home. Crafts, collecting teddy bears, and shopping were among her many interests.
She was also an excellent seamstress. During World War II, she worked in what were known as the Dorking Halls, supervising the repair of soldiers’ uniforms. Later on, she took pride in making her daughter’s clothes when young, and in making outfits for many of her teddy bears. Ann was also one of those unique persons who had an immediate, positive influence on all those with whom she came in contact. Until her recent illness, she would be seen faithfully at the FirstHealth Fitness Center every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday exercising for an hour under the supervision of her personal trainer, Jeff Moody II. Over the years, she so endeared the Fitness Center Staff and those who exercised there that many expressed what an inspiration she was for them. Many will remember her wearing her signature English cap, as well as her friendly smile and wave as she traversed the oval track. So will all her boyfriends, for when asked what she did at the Fitness Center, her response was always: “Flirt with all the men.”
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in the name of Ann Bradburn can be made to: Footprints Program, c/o Sister Judy Carron, SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center, 1465 S. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63104.
Online condolences may be made at www.bolesfuneralhome.com.
Boles Funeral Home of Pinehurst is serving the family.