Woman Hit, Killed In Maple Grove Accident ID'd
MAPLE GROVE, Minn. (WCCO) -- For the first time we're hearing from friends of a widowed mother from Andover killed while walking with her sister in Maple Grove.
Ann Blake and her sister wanted to spend time together walking along Elm Creek Boulevard. That's what they were doing Tuesday afternoon when police said an erratic driver hit Ann and killed her. The sisters never heard the car coming.
Grace Lutheran Church Pastor Mark Hellmann knew the Blake family for 17 years. He said through every up and down they turned to their faith.
"That's what life is all about," Hellmann said. "Finding the faith to go on in our life."
Blake's son is severely autistic. Her husband Dan was diagnosed with cancer and died four months ago after a 10-month battle.
"She worked so hard to make sure they had a good life, a normal life and invested in her children," said Hellmann.
Blake's family said in a statement today, "Her life revolved around making sure that both children would have the kind of nurture and care that they needed."
Now it's loved ones and friends who will take on that job.
"They're numb, numb. I'm thankful for the children's family around them, because this is a strong family," said Hellman.
Family, friends and neighbors are taking turns caring for the two children now left without a mom or a dad. If you'd like to help a fund has been set up.
The Blake Children's Fund
Grace Lutheran Church
13655 Round Lake Boulevard Northwest
Andover, MN 55304-3659
