Sydney

Mary Carmel Black passed away peacefully on Friday, May 16, 2025, at MacGillivray Guest Home, Sydney.

Carmel was born in Sydney on September 24, 1938, to the late Roderick J. and Mary (McCormick) Black. Carmel grew up on Matilda Street in Whitney Pier surrounded by five brothers who loved her dearly and were always willing to include her in their jokes. A beloved aunt, patient sister, and devoted daughter, Carmel loved her family and always made time for each and everyone of them.

Carmel was a graduate of Holy Angels High School and continued her education with BA and BEd degrees from St FX in 1974. Carmel was a valued member of the Congregation of Notre Dame for 17 years and began her teaching career in Truro.

During her 34-year teaching career she taught in schools in Truro, Guysborough, Sydney (Holy Angels High and Central schools) and ended her career in 1994 at Bible Hill Junior High in Bible Hill. She was a well-respected educator and, in her words, “a no-nonsense teacher”, who had the respect and admiration of her students.

Carmel was a firm believer in the value of the individual and contributed much to her community through her volunteer work in the Truro area at food kitchens, fun night for disabled adults, Nova Institution for Women, Meals on Wheels, and various church groups at Immaculate Conception Parish in Truro. Carmel was always quick to open her door, literally and figuratively, to support someone in need. It didn’t matter if you knew her for 10 years or 10 seconds, if you needed something and Carmel was able, she’d provide it.

A dedicated teacher and a good neighbour in the truest sense of the word, Carmel’s Truro home was a hub for her friends and family. Whether it was with a cup of tea or a slice of apple pie, Carmel would always go above and beyond to make you feel at home.

Travel was near and dear to Carmel’s heart as were her friends and combining the two was integral to who she was. She counted Venezuela, Cuba, New Zealand, Australia, Antarctica, Europe, Alaska, Yukon, and all of the Canadian provinces among her many destinations, always leaving new friends in her wake.

Besides her parents Carmel was predeceased by brothers, John “Barney”, Roderick “Roddie”, and Joseph “Joe”.

Carmel is survived by brothers, Francis “Frank” of Selkirk, MB and Paul (Kaye) of Ben Eoin; sister-in-law, Mary Black of Sydney; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended members of the McCormick and Black families.

The family extends sincere gratitude to the RC MacGillivray Guest Home CND wing, First and Second floor staff, who gave Carmel a beautiful home for the past three years and ensured that she had a loving and safe environment. Thanks to Charlotte, Stephanie, and Jennifer, who were present with her in her time of need. To Sr. Catherine Walker, and Arlene Rutledge, who walked this journey with Carmel, the family expresses their everlasting gratitude.

Visitation for the late Carmel Black will be held at Pier Community Funeral Home, Whitney Pier, 1092 Victoria Rd. (entrance on Church Street) from 2-5 p.m. on Sunday, May 25, 2025. Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 26, 2025, in Holy Redeemer Church, Whitney Pier, with Fr. Paul Murphy officiating. Interment will take place in Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks.

For those unable to attend, Live Streaming will be available on our website.

Click Here after 9:55 a.m. on Monday:      Face Book at Holy Redeemer

Donations in Carmel’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia, a charity of your choice, or you can live into her memory by doing a special act of kindness for anyone who needs one.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.

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