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.
Online Condolences
Sooooo sorry to hear of Carmel’s passing. We were great friends when I lived in Truro. Love and prayers to Carmel’s family.. Joan Fraser..
From: Joan Fraser, Parkland, Clayton Park, Halifax, N.S. B3S IJ5.
Our world has lost another “Woman of Grace”. A true Christian, Carmel, had an ‘open door’, and ‘open heart’ approach to all God’s people. She especially was there for the broken and downtrodden. If you, or anyone you knew was in need, Carmel was always first in line to reach out, regardless. Having known Carmel as a teacher, friend, and amazing cook, she fed the masses so many times. It was sad to watch her decline but there should be no doubt…that she is at eternal rest with the loving arms of Jesus. I will miss you Carmel, but I will never forget you and your loving, caring ways. Rest my friend…rest. Sandy Mellish
Loved this woman. What a beautiful humble soul. I learned so much from Carmel all so good. She will be missed ♥️
My most sincere condolences to The Black family on the loss of your dear sister Carmel…I remember Barney and Joe speaking so very lovingly about her. I’m sure they’ll be waiting with open arms for your arrival. Rest in peace sweet lady ❤️
I want to extend my deepest sympathy to all of the Black family. Carmel was a lovely lady and I am so blessed to have gotten to spend the last few years with her here at the home. May she rest in peace and may God comfort you all.
My condolences on Carmel’s passing. Her obituary described her perfectly! Always enjoyed going to her apartment for a good meal and always a slice of the best carrot cake I’ve ever had! Rest in peace, and May you enjoy your eternal reward.
My heartfelt condolences to Carmel’s family. She was my grade 3 teacher at St.Mary’s school 65 years sgo. Mother Saint Carmel was always very special part of my life. Sorry I missed her funeral mass.
Sincerely Anita Matthews
Sincere Condolences 💐 to the family on this huge loss. She was my grade 5&6 teacher in White Head NS. She was a kind and gentle soul who will be missed. ❤️.
My sincere sympathy to all the Black family. I met Carmel in 1962, then Mother St. Carmel, when she taught grade 5 at St. Mary’s School in Truro. Carmel was an excellent teacher and even having almost 40 students in our class she was still able to make you feel special . In 2009 when I returned to Truro we met at Church and a wonderful friendship began. Carmel’s love, generosity and caring nature showed in all she did; she was devoted to the Church and to the Lord and she always willing to lend a helping hand. I will forever cherish our dinners, her tasty cakes and desserts , her story telling and her quick whit. I was blessed to have had Carmel in my life. Rest in peace Carmel, you were truly a good and faithful servant.
Carmel was a wonderful caring lady. She always made you feel special. Carmel will be greatly missed . Condolences to the Black family!!
Sorry to hear of Carmel’s passing. My sincerest sympathy to her family.
I had the pleasure of teaching with her at Bible Hill Junior High where she welcomed the newbies like me, with a friendly, quiet, helpful, kind disposition.
Unbeknownst to me, we lived in the same neighbourhood, so she would stop by on her walks to chat with me when I was outdoors…always asking about our boys:)
Eternal rest grant unto Carmel, Oh Lord. 🙏🏽❤️
So sorry to have lost a great friend full of kindness & smiles for all of us who knew her over the years . We often spoke of our love of cooking a passion for us both, .Rest in Heaven with the angels Carmel ,we will miss you,
Carmel’s obituary describes her to a tee, a wonderful woman a pleasure to have met and know her. Rest In Peace Carmel. God Bless You
John & Anne Webb
Paul ,Kaye and family:
Our sincere sympathy on the passing of your sister Carmel.
She sounds like a remarkable person. Our thoughts and prayers to you all.
Dave and Mary French and family
In my years working at the Immaculate Conception Church, Truro, I met many wonderful people, one of which was Carmel. She was a joy to know and a wonderful cook. RIP Carmel.
Paul, so sorry to learn of your sister’s passing.
Paul, Kaye & Family:
So sorry for your loss. Treasure your memories.
Sincere Sympathy
So sorry to read of Carmel’s passing this morning. I met
Carmel in 1974 when I joined the staff at St.Marys Elementary in Truro. I always enjoyed our lively conversations and her great sense of humour. She was a dear friend and always so patient and kind with her students. After her retirement, we use to gather for special occasions and I have so many fond memories.
Thoughts and prayers to all,
Cathy Boudreau
Carmel meant so much to me from a young age, I will always remember her with love. She was a sweet, kindhearted soul who was always looking to help everyone around her. I always look back at the unforgettable memories we made together: Sitting on a pile of books and munching on your delectable peanut butter chocolate marshmallow squares. Listening to you reading me fascinating books for hours. Whenever I sat on your lap and you would sing me your fun little song. Dancing to Anne Murray in your living room. Our tea parties and picnics were the absolute best. I loved to gaze at the beautiful ornaments decorated around her house. Carmel chuckled when she would notice my starstruck eyes travelling around the room, she would pick me up and say “Just Touch”, and I would gently touch them. Carmel knew I would be careful with her ornaments. Her glass penguin was my personal favourite. The joy from just seeing her face is definitely one of my favourite memories of her. Carmel always made me feel loved and special. I miss you Carmel, and I will never forget you and the impact you had on the person I am today.🕊
My sincere sympathy to Carmel’s family on her recent passing. I taught with Carmel at St. Mary’s School in Truro. I remember her amazing, fun loving sense of humor. She was definitely a positive staff member who we all loved dearly. I send my prayers to your family at this difficult time in your lives. Carmel is amongst the angels for sure. Sincerely, Bev Hiltz
Carmel was the very definition of selflessness—a truly beautiful soul with a heart full of kindness. She never hesitated to lend a hand to anyone in need, always giving with grace and warmth. I still vividly remember her radiant smile, so full of love and welcome. We were lucky to be her next-door neighbours in the apartment. We would visit her almost every evening. Carmel would sing and dance with Hasini to Anne Murray’s songs, filling the room with music and joy. We’d sit together for tea, sharing stories and laughter. Even after we moved from Truro, Carmel came to visit Hasini and Dinithi. She touched our lives in countless ways, and her generosity and spirit will stay with us forever. Words can’t truly express how deeply you touched our lives, dearest Carmel. We miss you more than words can say. You will always hold a special place in our hearts. The love, warmth, and kindness you shared will never be forgotten—we will carry those memories with us and honor you by passing that kindness forward. May you rest in peace, wrapped in the same love you so freely gave to others.
My condolences to Carmels family. She taught me in Grade 5 . She and my mom were great friends.
Paul, Kay and Family,
Thinking of you in sympathy and understanding at this difficult time.
Just hearing of Carmel’s or as we fondly knew her as Sr. Black. Her years in Port Felix were meaningful to so many of her students and those who would have loved to have had her as a teacher. ( missed her by a couple years). However she was a regular and welcome visitor at our home. It was a wonderful tribute to read the rest of story as she continued her ministry of giving. R.I.P
Sincere condolences to the family of Carmel. Sister Black taught me in Grade 6 in Port Felix. She was such a wonderful teacher and a lovely lady. 🙏🙏
Dear Paul and Kaye and Family:
So deeply saddened to hear of Carmel’s passing. Her loving and caring personality was very evident in her beautiful obituary. She will be dearly missed. Thinking of you and sending our love and prayers.
Sincerely
Anna and Dave Poirier