Heidi von Schmertzing Blackwood, 61, passed on Friday, October 25, 2024 while surrounded by her husband, her son and some of her closest family and friends.
Heidi was born in Bethesda, Maryland on March 19, 1963. Heidi graduated from Leon High School in Tallahassee, FL in 1981. She attended Appalachian State University in 1981-82. After that year she was invited by a friend to spend the summer on Hatteras Island. This invitation resulted in Heidi spending the rest of her life on the Island, primarily in the Buxton area. Here she would meet the love of her life, Russell Blackwood. They would marry in 1986, build the home she would live in for the rest of her life, and have a son Wolfgang (Wolfi) Blackwood in 1995.
While Heidi made a big change in her life going from college to life on the Outer Banks, she carried with her an incredible drive to better herself, her family, and others in her life. This was exhibited through her energy in her jobs, her community activities, and her love of cooking. Heidi’s early work was in the restaurant business. From 1984-1990, she worked at Pilot House Restaurant in Buxton, working her way up to serving as the Assistant Manager. At this point Heidi took a bold step and partnered to start up her own restaurant, the Great Salt Marsh Restaurant in Buxton. Within three years of opening, her restaurant was recognized in Gourmet Magazine and Southern Living Magazine, as well as many other publications. Heidi was successful in her restaurant endeavor, but no doubt the many duties she carried as owner and manager created a lot of stress too. So she stepped aside from ownership and continued in the restaurant business at the Breakwater Restaurant in Hatteras and at the Fish House Restaurant in Buxton across the years 1997-2005.
In 2005, Heidi changed career directions, first becoming a General Manager and Buyer for the Dare Building Supply in Buxton (2005-2013), then becoming Operations and Assistant Manager at Griggs Lumber Company in Buxton (2013-2014).
After about a decade in the building supply and lumber businesses, Heidi took on a new role as manager of the Hatteras Island Design Center in Avon, NC. Here Heidi was in charge of inventory, deliveries, and employees associated with this retail store specializing in furnishings and accessories for Hatteras Island residents and rental home owners. Heidi worked at the Design Center until 2016.
In addition to her work, Heidi was also a great contributor to the community. Over the years she was a member of the Women’s Auxiliary Fire Department, a board member of the Buxton Methodist Preschool, a board member of Cub Scout Pack 166, an executive board member fo the Cape Hatteras Elementary School PTA, an advisory board member of the Dare County Fessenden Center, and a board member of the Hatteras Island Kiwanis Club. Heidi was a longtime member of the Buxton United Methodist Church.
While Heidi was a successful career woman that carried out significant civic duties as well, her heart was most firmly turned toward her husband Russell and her son Wolfi. Her work and her life were dedicated to caring for her family, while they all enjoyed the natural environment of the island on which they lived.
Heidi was known by so many for her friendly engagement and her desire to entertain and enjoy the company of others. She was a very positive person. She was kind and generous to all that came into her life. Her nieces and nephews knew her as the fun aunt. She was forevermore smiling and laughing. Many also knew her as a great cook who enjoyed preparing a special meal for family or friends. Heidi brightened the atmosphere around her. She spent many hours with family and friends on the beach and at local beach cottages. She was loved by so many. Her memory will live on in those with which she shared her love.
Heidi’s mother Donna Hoffman preceded her in death. Heidi leaves behind Russell, her husband of 38 years, as well as her son Wolfi, and her daughter-in-law Mairin. Heidi’s first granddaughter, Ila Blackwood, will be born in February 2025.
