Ann Dorman Hedley, dedicated to family
Ann Dorman Hedley passed away peacefully in her sleep Thursday, April 10, 2025. Born April 1, 1937, Ann was a true native, born and raised in Lewes to parents Carlton Dorman and Almeta Mae Dorman.
The iconic barn at the corner of Robinsonville Road and John J. Williams Highway started construction the day she was born and is still a Sussex County staple.
Ann grew up on The Dorman Farm with her three siblings, Ray Dorman, Janet Dorman and Carlton “Sonny” Owens Dorman. Ann was a part of the Lewes School Class of 1955.
Ann Dorman and George T. Hedley of Wilmington were married Feb. 19, 1955, and had three children, Gregory Allan Hedley, Douglas Carlton Hedley and Dolores Marlane Hedley.
She attended classes throughout part of 1964 and 1965 with her mother, Almeta and sister, Janet where she received her Delaware State Nursing License and went on to become an LPN. Ann worked with local families as an in-home caregiver and went on to work as an ICU nurse at Beebe Hospital for 33 years.
Supporting others during their times of need requires remarkable strength, and Ann possessed the resilience and dedication to do so with grace, never revealing the personal sacrifices she made.
Ann's dedication to her family was unwavering. She cherished every moment of raising her three remarkable children, finding joy in watching them grow and thrive in their unique ways. Her son Gregg, with a mischievous smile, works hard to meticulously manage each real estate endeavor while balancing a grueling workload. He always made sure he had time to prepare Ann’s favorite dishes and would loudly boast a roaring “Ann!” as he walked through her door to deliver a home-cooked meal.
Doug, her middle son, brightened up any room he walked into, and for Ann, he was the light of her life. Despite medical conditions and setbacks, he persevered and built a thriving construction company, which started out of her dining room. Doug also never missed a beat dashing through her door, but he would yell, “Queen,” which no doubt brought a warm smile to Ann’s face. And her daughter Dolores values a strong work ethic as well, making sure she provided her daughter, Meredith, with the best tools for a thriving education, all inspired by Ann. Dolores delighted in trading the best tips with her mother for healthy, blooming flowers, as well as the next Avon beauty serum that would turn back time for the both of them.
Ann shared over 30 years of companionship with Dr. Arthur Tormet. She greatly respected their friendship. They loved going out to local restaurants at the time: Missy’s Country Kitchen, The Lamp Post and The Georgia House. They loved spending time at their home in the woods, across the way from her son Gregg. Art would be quietly working in his study and Ann would be mapping out the next yard sale tour. Reading the local paper and The Guide for yard sales was a hobby she took very seriously. She knew every back road that led her to a yard sale, where she just might (and often did) find unexpected treasures.
Ann is survived by a loving son, Gregg Hedley; a daughter, Dolores (Hedley) Pierce; granddaughters Meredith Pierce and Talia Hedley; sister Janet (Dorman) Hall; and brother Carlton “Sonny” Dorman; as well as cousins, sister in-law, nephews, nieces and many other family members and friends who loved her dearly. She is predeceased by her son Douglas C. Hedley.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Ann beginning with calling hours at 11 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 12 p.m., Saturday, April 19, at Melson Funeral Services, 32013 Long Neck Road, Millsboro. A burial will be held immediately following the service at Conley’s Chapel Cemetery on Conley’s Chapel Road, Lewes.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Beebe Medical Foundation, 902 Savannah Road, Lewes, DE 19958.
Online condolences may be made by visiting melsonfuneralservices.com.
