Shawano – Mary Eugenia "Jean" Black, age 98, found peace on January 23, 2018 with her family by her side. She was born on May 8, 1919 to John and Mary Hickey in Waldorf, Minnesota.
Jean was a 1936 graduate of Waldorf High School. She graduated in 1940 with a BS in nursing from Marquette University. She worked at a hospital, for the Red Cross, and as an industrial nurse before marrying John C. Black, Shawano attorney, on June 17, 1944.
Jean spent most of her life in Shawano, nursing a large family. She was a gifted cook and baker, making the most delicious roasts and pies. She will be remembered for her attention to detail, nurturing disposition, and selflessness. Jean was a devout Catholic and active member of the Sacred Heart Church of Shawano, volunteering for countless years as part of the Christian Mothers' Association.
Jean was a proud mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is survived by five of her children, John Black of Appleton, Mary Ann (Tom) Callum of Wheaton, IL, Charlie Black of Pelican Lake, Joe Black of Shawano, and Tim (Lori Kobs) of Shawano. She was a doting and devoted grandmother to Carrie (Bill) Grahn and C.J. (Vicki) LaFond of Madison, and Lydia Black of Rhinelander. She was also a loving great-grandmother to Alex and Claire Grahn, and to Max and Maccoy LaFond. Jean was preceded in death by her husband John C. Black, daughters Margaret E. LaFond and Alice E. Black, daughter-in-law Mary Pat Black, parents John and Mary Hickey, and three siblings, John, Mary Jo, and Alice.
Family and friends whose lives Jean touched are invited to a visitation at 10:30am on Friday, January 26, 2018, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Shawano, followed by funeral services at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
