

I shall pass through this world but once. If therefore, there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do, let me do it now: let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.
Obituary
On Monday, June 8 at 3:10 AM, 2026 the world lost the brightest light, the gentlest soul, a truly evolved spirit. Eileen Maye Black née Dunlop was born on November 28, 1944 in Philadelphia. She was the daughter of Jeanne Cameron Dunlop and William Dunlop, one of four children. She had an older sister Nancy Dunlop Macey and two younger brothers Wayne and Scott. She had a wonderful childhood living in Upper Darby and one day she met a boy, Ira Black, in high school in 1960 when he asked her to the sophomore dance and on that day, he realized that he had just met a very special girl. They began dating and then after high school, Eileen attended Pierce Junior College, earning an Associate’s degree in accounting. Ira served with the 82nd Airborne Division and 1st Air Cavalry in multiple combat deployments, including Vietnam. Four years after meeting, they were married. Two daughters would follow. Alisa Dupuy née Black and Kathrina Black. Eileen and Ira spent the next years raising their girls, having lots of crazy adventures and living out their love story. To get a fuller idea of their life together you can read Ira’s book “Gypsy Writer on the Run."
Eileen worked for Good Samaritan Day School in Paoli then Newark Day Nursery in Delaware before leaving to become Ira’s CFO when he started his magazine “The Nor’easter." After selling the magazine, Eileen and Ira began a new adventure by first snow-birding to then moving to Tucson, Arizona. Eileen discovered many new activities and made so many new friends at Voyager Resort where they have lived permanently since 2013.
In June of 2023, Eileen was diagnosed with pneumonia-induced interstitial lung disease which, after a fall on June 5, ultimately caused her demise. She was brave and full of grace these past three years. She was joined at her bedside by her husband, her daughters, her son in law Bernard, her two grandchildren Patrick and Chelsea and her niece, Amanda. Eileen was a true light, a fully evolved soul who walked with kindness, gentleness and empathy for all. She was loved and will be missed by all who knew her.
Ira's Tribute
I have the overwhelming sense that Eileen, the love of my life, lives on, vibrating to a different measure behind a thin veil I cannot see through. Though I cannot see her I have faith that I will. I wait for the time when we can soar together again, both aware of each other. Until then, I will endeavor to live the remainder of my life as best I can without her. But I know that when I need her, I can just whisper her name in my heart. And she will be there.
Service/Memorial
Eileen had many friends and loved ones far and wide. In lieu of a memorial service, we are using this online tribute website instead. It will make it easier for everyone to have a chance to share their thoughts, prayers, memories, photos and funny stories.
Gallery
Videos
Memory wall
Long Afternoon at the Edge of Sister Pond
As for life,
I’m humbled,
I’m without words
sufficient to say
how it has been hard as flint,
and soft as a spring pond,
both of these
and over and over,
and long pale afternoons besides,
and so many mysteries
beautiful as eggs in a nest,
still unhatched
though warm and watched over
by something I have never seen –
a tree angel, perhaps,
or a ghost of holiness.
Every day I walk out into the world
to be dazzled, then to be reflective.
It suffices, it is all comfort –
along with human love,
dog love, water love, little-serpent love,
sunburst love, or love for that smallest of birds
flying among the scarlet flowers.
There is hardly time to think about
stopping, and lying down at last
to the long afterlife, to the tenderness
yet to come, when
time will brim over the singular pond, and become forever,
and we will pretend to melt away into the leaves.
As for death,
I can’t wait to be the hummingbird,
can you?
~ Mary Oliver ~
I will always remember her warm smile, her gentle heart, and the way she truly listened to others with so much care and compassion. She had a rare gift for making people feel loved and valued.
I feel incredibly grateful to have known her. Her kindness and beautiful spirit will always stay with me.
Rest in peace, Eileen. You will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
Yoann REYNAUD
She was the definition of a girl’s girl, but more than that, she was a kind, empathetic mother, grandmother, and friend. She had the sweetest soul and the most innocent (yet hilarious) one-liners that always had us laughing.
We miss her dearly, and I’m personally so grateful for the love, laughter, and memories she gave us. We’ll continue to keep her spirit alive and carry a little bit of Meem with us every day ❤️
You will be missed by plenty, as you helped so many.
You were a kind human being, always attentive to others.
You would listen and offer support and advice as needed.
Always keeping yourself up, there was nothing that a little bit of lipstick couldn’t fix…
You were a shy person, very humble, but you would step up if somebody crossed the line.
Being the best mother-in-law that I could have wished for, you were also a beloved grandmother
You did a great job raising 2 beautiful daughters and mentoring 2 wonderful grandkids, showing them values and guidance.
You were like a second mother to me, becoming my American mother.
You and Ira welcomed me in your family from the very first day, when I came to the United States to ask for Alisa’s hand.
You were always here for us, in hard times and in good times.
We shared so many memories in so many places.
You left a beautiful legacy of love, acceptance, and care.
I’m very thankful that we were all able to be there to accompany you for your last journey along with Ira, Kat and Amanda
I believe that you now rejoined your loved ones, Pop Pop, Mom Mom, GrandDad, Grandmother, Nancy and Scott, Jon and many more…
Paddy & Mane will finally be able to communicate with you
Meem, until we are reunited once more, go explore the other side in peace, and keep an eye on your family and friends
The whole French Tribe is joining me to wish you the best journey
We love you









Alisa, she transmitted this fantastic quality to you, and there is a bit of her when you show the same generosity when hosting even younger generations in the US.
Another lasting memory I will keep in my heart is the tenderness of her relationship with Ira. I was always touched by this mutual admiration.
Ira, I am thinking of you and sending my warmest thoughts.
What touched me deeply was the way she reached out to my grandmother Carmen, bridging the distance between them with patience and genuine love, even without a shared language. That said so much about who she was.
I find comfort in believing that she and Carmen have found each other again, and that Eileen's beautiful heart is still watching over all of us. We are so lucky to have met someone so full of light.
She will be deeply missed, and never forgotten.
One of the greatest gifts she leaves behind is seeing so much of her in my best friend Chelsea. The same warmth, kindness, and beautiful spirit shine through, a reflection of the incredible woman she was and the love she shared so generously throughout her life.
Her compassion, grace, and gentle nature touched countless lives, and the memories she created will be cherished forever. She will be deeply missed, but her legacy of love lives on in all those fortunate enough to have known her.
Her smile and laughter were equally special. They had a way of making time feel endless, as if there was nowhere else you needed to be in that moment. She brought joy to those around her so effortlessly and made every gathering feel a little brighter.
I am incredibly grateful for the kindness, warmth, and genuine care she showed to everyone she met. She had a remarkable way of making people feel welcomed, valued, and loved.
I feel truly blessed to have known Meme. While our hearts are heavy, I know her memory, her laughter, and the love we shared will forever stay with me.
When we went to USA, she welcomed us with such warmth and generosity that we immediately felt at home and family.. even though we barely spoke any English 😅 We were just the “Frenchies,” a little shy and unsure of ourselves, but she never let us feel different or out of place. She always had that bright smile, that joyful energy, and that genuine kindness that made everything feel easy and natural.
Some of my sweetest memories are from those days in Maryland. After spending hours outside playing with my cousins, running around, laughing, and coming backto the house tired and sweaty.
She would always have a cold Capri Sun ready for me !
I can still picture it.. the condensation on the pouch, the little straw, and the way she would hand it to me with that caring look, as if it was the most important thing in the world to make sure I felt refreshed and happy. It was such a small gesture, but it meant so much. It was her way of showing her love; simplethoughtful, and full of heart ❤️
We miss her more than words can say. I hope she is resting peacefully in heaven, surrounded by all our loved ones who have gone before her. And I hope she knows how deeply she was loved, and how forever grateful we are for the beautiful memories she gave us.
Elle laisse un grand vide, mais nous retrouvons son sourire et sa joie de vivre en toi chaque jour.
Courage à toi, ton Papa, ta sœur, et tous ceux qui l’aimaient tant. Elle est à présent dans chacun des moments de votre vie.
On t’aime fort Alisa ♥️ bisous à tous
Nous avons été très attristé d'apprendre le décès d'Eileen. Je garderai le souvenir d'elle comme une femme généreuse, toujours souriante et pleine d'humour. Elle nous a toujours acceuilli les bras ouverts notamment au Maryland quand toutes la famille française débarquait !
Je garde aussi le souvenir d'un couple magnifiquement uni, comme des Hirondelles qui ne se séparent jamais. Je crois ne vous avoir jamais vu l'un sans l'autre!
Je vous envoie tout mon courage dans cette dure épreuve. Je suis sur que vous vous retrouverez dans un autre monde.
On vous embrasse,
Marine
She was the first person to hear I was pregnant with Annie, even before Mike, and shared my happiness in that moment.
I had the privilege of working beside her for 13 years and loved every day of it, and have missed her since but reveled in the joy she showed when sharing posts with her family.
Hugs to all of you 🥺
Delicate yet determined
Fragile but fierce,
She was a woman and a warrior.
A hummingbird spirit, graceful and beautiful,
yet fearless in the face of life’s challenges.
We are so glad we got to know you Eileen. We will always remember your smile. Roz and Manny
I don’t even know where to begin. I know that she will be missed so much. Her smiles, and giggles were her signature. It was very adorable and unique that if I closed my eyes I could tell her apart. Pure & playful. She was such a gentle light that brought calm,joy,& happiness wherever she went.
I was always inspired and in awh by her and how gracefully and joyfully she appreciated life. She enjoyed her meditation and ride her recumbent bike. Simple bliss like her rechargeable candle lights during Xmas and a fisherman’s jacket with multiple pockets. She shared recipes typed them and even sent me a packet of the Good Seasons Italian dressing soup made in a crockpot with Trader Joe’s brown rice and phila cream cheese.I keep in my keep sake box along with her thoughtful Xmas cards she hand wrote me. Eileen’s favorite bread was Silver Hills the blue package and enjoyed having two pieces at 100 Cals each. It brought her joy.
Each and every appt was special and it brought me happiness that I was a part of her self care ritual. Window seating on the right with a bit of sunshine & Mountain View. Eileen always mentioned how her feet and toes felt so much better and how much she loved the pink shimmery lacquer that matched her favorite pink floral embroidered jean jacket with her fav multiple pockets that her daughter helped stitch more beautiful pink flowers.
She loved her family dearly and with so much pride and how creative her girls are. And loved her husband. 66 years loved says a lot. Ira was always patient with her and took her to her nail appts every month enjoying a book until she’s ready. She was always up, ready to go and early for each visit. I’ll definitely miss her gentle smile and “are you ready for me?” And I’d always greet her good morning and let her know it’s always a good day when I get to see her. One thing that stuck out most during one of our appts was when I was running a little late. Eileen always had this sense of calm and grace to her and it showed up during that visit. She had something to do with the house and had to be there on time that afternoon but she made time to come visit and get her toes and feet freshened. What stood out to me was I was running late and instead of being frustrated she stopped and said in her soft tone and jaw drop “oh my gosh I’ve never seen your hair down, it’s so long and beautiful!” She embodied calm and most importantly presence.
I feel so grateful to have met such a spirit like Eileen. She was calm, grounded, joyful,loving,& mainly an altruistic being. It was unreal but real. Bc she’s unconditional. That showed. My heart & prayers goes out to Ira,Alisa,Kathrina,grandbabies & family. My heart is with you all. I will miss you Eileen! 💗🥺🙏🏽🫶🏽✨




