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Ashleyann Carlson Obituary
ASHLEYANN CARLSON
July 1, 1955
September 30, 2018
On September 30, 2018, an Angel who walked among us ascended to heaven, when Ashleyann Carlson passed away. She was born Ann Hillenbrand on July 1, 1955 to Robert and Elizabeth (Jacobson) Hillenbrand and was raised in Naperville, Illinois. She graduated from Naperville Central High School in 1973 and earned a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from the University of New Hampshire in 1976.
Ashleyann's angelic beauty was only surpassed by her compassion for animals, kindness to people, and love for life. While still in high school, she started competitive horseback riding and rode Show Hunters for over 16 years, claiming 7 New England Champion titles and numerous New Hampshire State titles.
During her 10-year career as a Continental Flight Attendant, she met her future husband, Ted Carlson, on a trip in 1992. Ashleyann and Ted were married on August 7, 1995, and she was a loyal and supportive Navy wife for over 23 years.
Ashleyann volunteered countless hours at animal shelters in San Diego, Colorado Springs, and Norfolk, always filling her home with unwanted dogs and cats from local shelters. She was a generous supporter of the National Mill Dog Rescue, Mercy for Animals, and the Humane Society International, and in 2017 she established the Phoebe Fund for Spay/Neuter of Norfolk SPCA Shelter Animals.
She was a 5-time Gold Medalist and 2-time Silver Medalist in Ice Dance at the U.S. Adult Figure Skating Championships. She trained at the Sertich Ice Rink in Colorado Springs and was a member of the 7k Centennial Skating Club.
Ashleyann is survived by her loving and devoted husband Commander Ted Carlson, her cherished sister Beth (Hillenbrand) Jones, her blind Maltese Fancy-Pants, and her paraplegic Boxer-mix Higgins. She will also be greatly missed by her animal rescue family, her skating family, her Continental Airlines family, and her wonderful California, Colorado and Virginia friends.
Please join the family for a celebration of Ashleyann's life on Saturday, October 20th at 2:00 PM at First United Methodist Church in Colorado Springs.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the National Mill Dog Rescue, Mercy for Animals, or the Humane Society International.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ashleyann Carlson
3 Entries
Sara Gilligan
October 20, 2018
Ashleyann and Ted, one of the most meant to be couples I've ever known. She had such a sweet spirit, and hilarious wit when least expected. Ashleyann, I know you are shining in heaven because you sure lit up so many people's, and animals', lives here on earth!
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Ana Garrigues
October 8, 2018
Ted, Ashleyann was one of the best ladies Ive known, both inside and out. She has left her fond for all to cherish throughout our lives. Ashleyann will always have a space in your heart and some precious moments to hide! May her memories and love comfort you in the best possible way so that you stay strong and get courage to go on and rise. Please accept my symphathies and condolences! Fondly Ana Garrigues
Sonja Hedstrom
October 6, 2018
Ashleyann..... thank you for your friendship...I will miss you forever. Sonja
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Funeral services provided by:
Swan-Law Funeral Directors501 North Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
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