Eileen Maye Black

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 in the Dominican Republic and in 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

Memory wall

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