Ann Batchelder Lashendock

MALVERN, PA. — Ann Batchelder Lashendock, 58, formerly of Cape Elizabeth, passed away in her sleep of natural causes at her home in Malvern, Pa., early on the morning of Wednesday Aug. 8, 2018.

Born in 1960 to Mark Batchelder and the late Janet P. (Parker) Batchelder, Ann grew up in Braintree, Mass., and graduated from the University of Massachusetts with a degree in Art and from Temple University’s Fox School of Business with an executive MBA.

Gifted with incredible talent in art and design, Ann spent her 30-plus year career in shoe design with award-winning brands, including as a designer for Cole Haan and as chief creative director for Dansko Shoes, where she led that company to nine years of consecutive awards from Footwear Plus in the Women’s Comfort Design Category, as well as the 2014 induction to the Style Hall of Fame, until her retirement in 2017.

Ann’s enthusiasm for life was reflected in her design not only of shoes, but in hooked rugs, oil and watercolor painting, pencil sketching, custom jewelry and beading, painted glassware, hand-knit and sewn women’s and children’s clothing, period costuming and interior design. Always willing to take a decorating risk, Ann’s home was filled with color, light, sparkle and love — as was her heart and character — as well as more fabric and yarn than one could possibly imagine.

As much as Ann loved design, she loved her family and friends even more. Her devotion to and pride in her sons was evident every minute of each day and she enjoyed recounting family trips and hysterical stories about the boys’ younger years. She spoke openly of the unconditional love she had always felt from her parents and how she strove to provide the same to her children, as well as to her beloved husband, Mark. Friends will attest that she also extended that love to them, offering an ear, a hug, support, and always ending a phone call with “I love you.”

Ann is survived by her husband, Mark Lashendock; her sons, Chase Dittrich of Los Angeles, Calif. and Bailey Dittrich of Denver, Colo.; her granddaughter, to whom she was known as “B’nana”; her father, Mark, of Hingham, Mass.; her brothers, Mark Batchelder of Longwood, Fla. (and a niece and nephew) and Harold Batchelder of North Saanich, British Columbia, and her former husband and sons’ father, Carl Dittrich of Bridgton.

Ann will be remembered at an intimate and private family affair in her hometown of Braintree, Mass. on Aug. 25 to celebrate her life and recall all of the many joys that she bestowed upon the family. The family is honoring Ann’s wishes to be cremated and her remains will be interred with her mother in the Parker family’s gravesite.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in Ann’s memory to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Maine by going to https://somebigs.org/ and clicking on “donate” or sending to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Maine, attention Tammy, 625 Main Street, Westbrook, ME 04092. This organization meant so much to Ann as she showed great concern for the care and wellbeing of children by volunteering her time and extending her love for several years to her “little sister,” Felicia.