Ann Malinowsky Blackwell, 72, of Nederland, passed away April 26, 2012, at Summer Place Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Beaumont.

A native of New London, Connecticut, she was born on March 21, 1940, to Marion Asaro and Leonard Malinowsky. She began her career in the construction business in the early 1960’s working in the office of her father’s company. Her responsibilities grew with the company. 

Finally in 1977 she went into business for herself, and had a successful career. Some of her career accomplishments include: being the first female contractor in Southeast Texas; the first female contractor to be utilized on United Sates Department of Energy projects; completed nearly one hundred million dollars of construction projects; and advised various United States Senate and House of Representative committees.

She enjoyed being involved in the community, and was a former vice-president of the Southeast Texas Better Business Bureau, and member of the Women’s Commission of Southeast Texas. Additionally, she was a director on the Mediation Center of Jefferson County.

Her interesting life was the topic of numerous television interviews and print articles. She was the topic of a 1986  Reader’s Digest  article titled “One Woman’s Battle Against Union Thugs.” The NBC news show Trial Watch aired a segment on her titled “Annie Get Your Gun.”

She is survived by her son, Robert Blackwell and his wife, Rebecca of Sour Lake; daughter, Mari Blackwell of Glendale, California; and grandchildren, Victoria Blackwell and Benjamin Blackwell.

Her memorial service will be 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 1, 2012, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. Her committal was held at Broussard’s Crematorium.

Memorial contributions may be made to Humane Society of Southeast Texas, P.O. Box 1629, Beaumont, Texas, 77704.