Carolyn B. Black

SACO -- Carolyn Black, 81, beloved wife of John Kelvin Black Sr., died on December 16, 2012 at her home in Saco.

The daughter of Thomas L. Burnham and Lorraine Grenier Burnham, she was born and raised in Biddeford.

Mrs. Black had a lifelong love of children and was an in-demand babysitter throughout her high school years. After graduating from Biddeford High in 1950, she worked in several area businesses including Butler’s department store and Saco Lowell.

Upon moving to Dixfield in the early ‘60s, Mrs. Black devoted her talents and energies to mothering her young family. She was an extraordinary first teacher for her children, and spent endless, patient hours instilling in them a love of reading and learning. In those early years, she also was blessed by meeting Betty, who was to become her best friend -- and whose support over the subsequent decades has meant a great deal.

After her children entered school, Mrs. Black volunteered as a leader in Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts -- this was the start of a lifetime of volunteering. She had a soft spot for working with the young and the elderly, and later volunteered at SMMC, Sweetser, and the Wardwell Home.

For many years, Mrs. Black was office manager for Vassilios Handanos, MD in Rumford, and later, for Francois Geoffroy, MD in Old Orchard Beach. Upon retirement, she enjoyed working part time at Benoit’s clothing store.

Mrs. Black had many varied interests that she shared with her family throughout her life. She taught her daughters needlework skills and encouraged their first attempts in the kitchen; she herself was a wonderful chef. Her children have cherished memories of fresh-baked cookies after school, birthday cakes and pies made from scratch, and classic Sunday dinners with perfectly cooked roasts. Although she was not a swimmer, she made dozens of trips to Webb Lake for her children every summer, many times with a well-planned picnic.

She and her husband, Kelvin, had many happy years traveling. One of their favorite trips was to England and Scotland, where they were both able to connect with their heritage.

Mrs. Black had a quick mind and a dry wit, and loved to laugh. She wasn’t intimidated by changing technologies, and often was ahead of the rest of her family in adopting new media formats. After her husband died and the full responsibility of maintaining their home fell to her, she stepped up to a series of new challenges with a little trepidation mixed with a lot of strength and determination.

Mrs. Black is predeceased by her husband of 49 years, and brother, Laurier. She is survived by daughter, Maryjane Black of Saco; daughter, Laura Black Boldebook, her husband, David, and children Matthew, Joshua and Katherine of Saco, and Briana and Rose Sevigny of Boston; and son, John K. Black, Jr., his wife, Emily, and daughters, Sarah and Lauren of Middletown, RI.

Mrs. Black cherished her grandchildren and had a way of making a special and unique connection with each of them. She will be greatly missed by all her family.