Dorothy M. Black

Mrs. Dorothy M. Black, 95, of Morris, passed away peacefully Monday, Feb. 20, 2012, at Morris Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Morris with family at her side.

Born April 25, 1916, in Chicago, Dorothy was a daughter of the late William and Gertrude (McDonnell) Dunne. She was raised in Chicago, graduated from the University of Illinois in 1939 and did her post graduate work at the Chicago Teachers College.

Dorothy married John J. Black on Feb. 22, 1941, at St. Angela Catholic Church in Chicago. Together, they lived their married life in Morris and Joliet. She was a third- and fourth-grade teacher at Immaculate Conception School in Morris, where she had more than 60 students, and was also a substitute teacher in Joliet.

Dorothy was the owner/broker of Dorothy Black Real Estate, played the organ at both Immaculate Conception, as well as Holy Family Catholic Church in Joliet and taught CCD in Morris. She was an active member of Immaculate Conception, and will be remembered for her talent of playing the piano and organ, cooking, writing and being a woman of deep faith, who was especially dedicated to the rosary. 

Survivors include her four children, William (Barbara) Black of Hemet, Calif., Tom Black of Forest Park, Ill., Theresa Lamb of Morris and Robert (Gerry) Black of Morris; daughter-in-law, June Black of Somersworth, N.H.; grandchildren, Bridget (Mark) Zerebny, Bret (Tabitha) Black, Barbette (Steve) DeJarnett, Bernadette Black, Bettina (Don) Cox, Laura (Mark) Higgins, Erik Black, Johanna Black, Dylan (Jimena) Black, Tim Lamb, Brian Black, Steven (finace, Amanda Arnold) Black, Michael Black and Christopher (Kris) Tiernan; numerous great-grandchildren, brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, August (Marie) Black of Morris and Sr. Lorraine Black, CSC of South Bend, Ind.; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; husband, John Black on June 8, 1985; daughter, Mary Lorraine Black; son, John “Jack” Black; sister, Bette Sitzberger; brother, William Dunne; and great grandson, Zachary Tiernan.  

Visitation and video tribute will be held from 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, 2012, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 516 East Jackson St., Morris, until the time of funeral service at 11 a.m.. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Rev. Ed Howe, CR officiating.