17 August 2023 , 21:38
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Hundreds gathered today to pay respects to a beloved mother and sailing enthusiast allegedly killed by her ex-husband - over the grave of their teenage son.
About 250 family and friends attended to mourn the loss of Ann Blackwood, 71, a “loving, caring and kind-hearted” mother.
She was allegedly killed by ex-husband Martin Suter, 66, in July - two decades after the tragic death of their 16-year-old son Christopher in 2003.
Detectives were called to Crofton Cemetery in Stubbington, Hants, on Christopher’s birthday, after reports of an assault. Ms Blackwood, from Lee-on-Solent, was treated by paramedics but died not long afterwards. The detectives launched a murder investigation into her death, and charged Suter with murder.
Ann's funeral was attended by around 250 people (Will Dax/Solent News)A funeral took place today to commemorate Ms Blackwood who lay to rest in a cream-coloured wicker coffin. The eulogy was given by her daughter, Helen Blackwood, followed by a series of hymns and a reading of a poem called Happy - written by Ann’s son - was read by one of her friends.
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A statement from Ann’s family read: “Her daughter, brothers, their families and all her friends are absolutely devastated by the loss of Ann Blackwood. A loving, caring, kind-hearted mother and friend who was very popular in her local community, she was enjoying her retirement with an active lifestyle which included tennis, sailing, cycling and music.”
Reverend Beth Yeandle, who led the service, called it a “lovely celebration of Ann’s life” and thought Helen’s eulogy was “beautiful”, the Daily Mail reported. She said: “There were so many people, it was really, really well attended by her community which she was involved with and was a part of this church.
“It was just a beautiful service of thanksgiving for her life and an opportunity to put her and us into the care of God and that's what today was about.”
Her ex-husband will stand trial for her murder (PA)Messages were left with floral wreaths around her coffin and in the hearse. One from her tennis club said: “You will be greatly missed on court Ann. Our condolences to all the Blackwood family, from all at the Tennis Club.”
Ex-husband Martin Suter, formerly a Green Party member and council election candidate, will stand trial at Winchester Crown Court, Hants, next year. Suter stood in the East Bramhall ward near Stockport three times - last year finishing fourth with 331 votes.
He is also an active member of the local St Faith’s Church. But now, he is the sole suspect in the murder investigation of Ms Blackwood.
Local members of the community were left shaken by the incident. One grandmother was childminding her grandsons when she “saw there was an ambulance and emergency services there… and they were performing CPR on a woman”.
Another resident in her 60s said: “We live in such a peaceful area with many young families and retirees. You never expect something so horrific to happen so close to home especially in such a friendly community.”