Elizabeth A (Agnew) Blackwood

Elizabeth Ann Agnew Blackwood, affectionately known as Beth, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2024. Born on Christmas Day in 1936 in Duluth, Minnesota, to Pauline (Robinson) and Tom Agnew, Beth was the first baby born on that special day.  She was one of seven children, growing up in a lively household full of love and laughter.  Beth’s spirit for living life was evident early. She fondly recalled being a member of the Polar Bear Club; the first group of people to jump in Lake Superior when the ice began to break.

In 1957, Beth married her high school sweetheart, Howard Blackwood, and together they built a beautiful life over 56 wonderful years of marriage until Howard's passing in 2012. Their love was something special, a bond that only grew stronger as they spent a lifetime dating each other, always finding joy in one another's company.

Her affinity for numbers drew her to secure an associate’s degree from IUSB in 1975 and offer bookkeeping services for local businesses. Her caring spirit allowed her to easily become part of these office families. Her generosity and sense of gratitude defined her as she gave of herself without any expectation of return. Her time was yours if you needed it. Ultimately, Beth had a unique ability to notice where she could help make the journey better for someone else and did it.

Her passion for work was matched only by her passion for entertaining, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. Beth had a wicked sense of humor that could light up any room. She was a self-taught gourmet chef often entertaining clients and she found great joy in cooking for everyone around her.

She and Howard made their home in Elkhart IN and later Birch Lake in Vandalia, MI. All lake residents knew their home in the Cove and most participated in the infamous 4th of July Turtle Races in their front yard. Howard and Beth created “home” for every visitor, spending many late nights enjoying food/wine/laughing with their neighbors. They were dedicated fans of Notre Dame with Beth never missing a home game for 44 years straight. Beth was also a devout Catholic; being an active member of Our Lady of the Lake Parish (Edwardsburg, MI) acting as a eucharistic minister, and volunteering at the Food Bank.

She is survived by her children: Chris (Julie) Blackwood, Margaret (David) Bouwkamp, Tim Blackwood, Joan Blackwood (Michael Howard), and Ann (Chris) Schelle. Her 12 grandchildren: Scott, Zach, Spencer, Sayla, Natalie, Mallory, Michael, Ben, Thomas, Joseph, Blake, and Collin and four great-grandchildren Pepper, Rhea, Lennox, and Charlie were the light of her life, and she cherished every moment with them. She is also survived by her siblings Mary Jo Beaudry, Jerry Agnew, Michael Agnew, and Ginny Agnew. She will be missed by her extended family including cousins, nieces, nephews, and many neighbors who she thought of as family.

Beth lived her life with passion, love, and an indomitable spirit. You will be deeply missed, Beth, but your legacy of love, laughter, and joy will live on in all who knew you.

​A graveside service will be held at Adamsville Cemetery in Edwardsburg on October 11th, 2024, at 12:00 noon.  A Celebration of Life Open House will be held the same day from 1:30 pm until 4:00 pm at The Winchester Mansion 529 S. Second St. Elkhart, In 46516.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Faith Mission of Michiana 801 Benham Ave. Elkhart, IN 46516 or at https://faithmissionmichiana.org/giving/ or the foodbank of your choice.

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