Obituary of Grace A. Black

Grace Alexander Black died Saturday June 14, 2014 at St. Clare's Hospital in Denville, NJ. Born Grace Weir Alexander on May 3, 1925 and brought up in West Pittston, PA, she met John, her future husband, in the Presbyterian Church in Pittston. She trained to be a nurse, receiving her RN in 1946. She and John married in 1947, after his return from serving in World War II. She worked while he completed his degree at Penn State, and then moved to Cleveland Ohio where she worked as a nurse until the birth of her first son. In 1958 they moved to Denville, where she lived the remainder of her life, most of it in Cedar Lake. For the last couple of years, she enjoyed living at Franciscan Oaks. She was active in the Denville Community Church in various capacities, including the United Methodist Women, singing in the choir and volunteering in a wide variety of activities. She helped break ground on what is now the church's home on Diamond Spring Road. She was also active in the community, serving as a volunteer at the Denville library so long as she was able, reflecting her life-long love of books and reading. She sang in the Masterwork Chorale; a highlight was performing Handel's Messiah. She loved cultural activities. She held a subscription to NJPAC from its inception, and attended ABT ballet in New York for many years. These reflected her love of music, starting with piano lessons as a child. She continued to play the piano for many years. She and her husband became avid skiers in middle age, continuing their exploration of snowy hills in Vermont and various places around the world for as long as they were able. John died in 2001. Mrs. Black is survived by her children David B. (Marta H.), Douglas J. (Terrill R.), and Christine L. (Sean L.) Guinness, six grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A funeral service will be held at Denville Community Church, 190 Diamond Spring Rd, Denville, on Wednesday at 11am, with lunch reception to follow.