Submitted by Bedford TV
On January 12th, we bid farewell to one of Bedford TV’s most beloved members, Ann Seamans.
Ann was a volunteer at Bedford TV for 15 years. She started in January 2006 when she stopped in to borrow a video camera to record her daughter Heather’s life. Former Bedford TV Executive Director, Greg Dolan remembered, “She was incredibly dedicated to telling the story of her daughter, Heather, and I was honored to be able to help her however I could. In working with her I was able to see how special the bond that they shared was and that project was one of the highlights of my time at Bedford TV.”
After Heather’s passing, she put this documentary to the side for a while and started volunteering in other ways, in order to give back to Bedford TV what Bedford TV gave to her. She volunteered for Bedford TV at trivia night events, restaurant fundraisers, and Bedford Day. Bedford TV’s Digital Marketing & Outreach Coordinator, Sonal Patel said “I met Ann for the first time at our fundraiser at Red Heat in May 2019. I remember how she made a point to come introduce herself to me and welcome me to the BTV team.” Patel talked of Ann’s enthusiasm for the station, saying, “…she was always so dedicated to BTV and always willing to help out. She was always so kind and thoughtful, and so fun to chat with!”
Ann was a guest on many shows, including the first episode of both Neighbors to Know, and Pretty Bedford Gardens. Katie Duval, Bedford TV’s Executive Director, reminisced about the first time she visited Ann’s home. “Ann knew I loved to garden, so she walked me around her yard gushing over her the plants she loved, and pointing out some of the places where she was determined to do a little more tidying up. It is truly one of Bedford’s prettiest gardens.”
She also worked behind the scenes on studio shows like the Wrestling Kennection and Bedford TV News, and recorded many Bedford Historical Society presentations. Ann became a regular co-anchor on the weekly BTV News even throughout the pandemic, recording from her beautiful, historic home. Duval recalled, “She was so proud of the historic charm of the Timothy Jones House with all of its many fireplaces, and adorable closets. She was especially fond of her daughter Heather’s room, her favorite room in the house.”
Ann had moved to Bedford 35 years ago, after living in London for 12 years. She frequently returned to England, and also Scotland with the Scotish tourist board, visitScotland. Jenn Puhle, Bedford TV’s Administrator, said “During her time in London, she rented her home as a BnB. She loved entertaining and hearing the stories of all the unique people that stayed with her.”
Ann was a well-decorated Bedford TV award winner, twice winning Volunteer of the Month and in 2017 being honored with the Joe Serra Most Valuable Crew Member award. She was a nominee for Best Cameo during her time on The Wrestling Kennection and in 2019 earned Volunteer of the Year. For several years, Ann and her Bedford TV News crew were presented with the Best Ensemble Cast award and most recently, the Best Virtual Show award. Ann took on many roles among the Bedford TV News crew, which eventually led to her becoming “…a lead co-anchor with poise and determination even as she went through her cancer treatment.” said Puhle. “Her sense of humor never waver[ed].” Dolan agreed, saying “I’ll always treasure the laughs that we had. Whether we were filming a live TV show, hanging around the studio, or out with the crew at Red Heat Tavern, Ann was always quick with a smile and a laugh.”
When thinking back on everything Ann did for Bedford TV, Dolan said “the greatest gift that Ann gave was her friendship. She was such a positive, fun person to be around…she will be greatly missed by everyone lucky enough to have called her a friend.” Duval said “I’m so glad I got to know Ann as more than just a dedicated volunteer of BTV, but also as a cherished friend.”
Patel ended by saying “Ann will be missed dearly, but will always be part of the BTV family.” She will live on forever through the many videos we are so blessed to have captured of her.
On Tuesday, January 19th, the Bedford TV family past and present will be producing a live tribute episode of Bedford TV News, in loving memory of our friend Ann. Please visit www.youtube.com/bedfordtvma at 5pm on Tuesday to join us for this special episode.
We will miss our darling Ann so much, and our thoughts are with her family during this time. We thank Ann for being a wonderful friend to us for many years. May she rest in peace.
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To know Ann was to love her. She was an incredibly warm, funny, smart, and resilient woman. I learned a lot from her, and will miss her dearly. Thank you so much for the lovely article! My sincere condolences to her family and friends.