Elizabeth Ann Parrow Hawkins

Elizabeth Ann Parrow Hawkins, age 74, of Browns Valley, Minnesota passed away Thursday, September 3, 2026 at the Browns Valley Health Center in Browns Valley.

Elizabeth Ann Blake was born August 30, 1952 at the Holy Rosary Hospital in Graceville, Minnesota. She was the oldest of thirteen children born to Francis and Martha (Chalupnik) Blake. Elizabeth was baptized and confirmed in the Holy Rosary Catholic Church. She attended school in Graceville graduating from Graceville High School on May 29, 1970. She married Donald L. Parrow days later on June 27, 1970 also at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Following their marriage they made their home in Canby, Minnesota where Don attended electrical school, and later Chokio, Minnesota. In 1985 the couple moved to Perley, Minnesota. Elizabeth and Donald were blessed with two children Timothy and Rebecca.

Tragedy struck the family when on May 3, 1996 Timothy was killed in a car accident near Gardner, North Dakota. Two years later, on August 1, 1998 Donald and Rebecca died in a car accident when a drunk driver struck their car in Moorhead, Minnesota. While completely devasted, Elizabeth chose to forgive the drunk driver. As part of his probation, the two traveled all over Minnesota and North Dakota speaking at hundreds of high schools, colleges and churches about the danger of driving while intoxicated. The story of Elizabeth’s forgiveness was featured in many news publications including Woman Magazine, Guideposts, and many more. Dateline also did a television story on Elizabeth.

Elizabeth went back to school and in 1993 received her Associate of Science degree from North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton, North Dakota. She furthered her education receiving her Registered Nurse degree in 1999 from Fergus Falls Community College. She married Richard Hawkins on September 28, 2002 at the Assembly of God Church in West Fargo, North Dakota. Elizabeth worked as a nurse in nursing homes in the area, and also did home health. Richard passed away in October 13, 2016 and Elizabeth moved to Browns Valley to be closer to her family.

Elizabeth enjoyed sewing, embroidery, latch hook, making dolls, stuffed animals, doll clothes, quilting, baking, canning and gardening. Because of her love of sewing she leaves many cherished pieces, some finished, some unfinished for her family to enjoy.

Elizabeth had a deep, unshakable faith and love for God. She could be described as a very caring and selfless person.

Elizabeth was preceded in death by her children Timothy and Rebecca; husbands: Donald and Richard; parents Francis and Martha Blake; father and mother-in-law Veloris and Mary Parrow; and brother-in-law Dean Schwagel.

Elizabeth is survived by siblings: Joseph (Cindy) Blake, Witchita, KS; Edward, Browns Valley, MN; David (Cindy), Syracuse, NY; Michael (Marie), Redding, CA; Mary Schwagel, Browns Valley, MN; Carol (Mark) Findlay, Beardsley, MN; Alice (Mike) Downing, Minneota, MN; Rosie (Donny) Pasilas, Rincon, GA; Barb (Douglas) Olson, Herman, MN; Patrick (Daynelle) Blake, Fargo, ND; Karen (John) Stielow, St. Cloud, MN; and Tony (Karen) Blake, Fargo, ND; brothers-in-law: Roger (Judy) Parrow and Harold (Cleo) Parrow; and many nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Family Life Assembly of God Church in Sisseton, South Dakota with Rev. Mark Cronauer officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service time at the church. A private family burial will take place at a later date.