Barbara Jean Black

Barbara Jean Black

Amherst, MA - June 26, 1930 - April 17, 2025

Barbara Jean (Rackleff) Black, 94, of Amherst, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on April 17, 2025, at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Born on June 26, 1930, in Waterville, Maine, to George and Grace Rackleff, Barbara grew up in rural Maine, where she and her two sisters and two brothers attended a one-room schoolhouse. Upon moving to China, Maine, she met her childhood sweetheart, Donald L. Black, with whom she would eventually share nearly 75 years of married life. After graduating from high school as Valedictorian Barbara attended Thomas College, receiving a Business Degree.

Following their marriage in 1950, Barbara worked as a secretary to support Donald through his undergraduate studies at the University of Maine in Orono and graduate studies at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. In 1959, the couple moved to Amherst, MA, after Donald accepted a position as a Professor at the University of Massachusetts.

Together, they built a warm and loving home where they raised their four children. Barbara was the cornerstone of her family-resilient through hard times, a trusted friend and advisor, and a loving wife and mother. She found joy in her hand crafts, watching birds through her picture window, and most especially in hearing stories and seeing pictures from the adventures of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Barbara was an accomplished seamstress who also loved tending her flower gardens. She had an extensive collection of decorative teacups and saucers, rivaled only by the abundance of African violets that filled every north-facing window in her home. Barbara and Donald were members of South Congregation Church in South Amherst, where she was an active member of the Crafty Ladies.

Barbara was preceded in death by her daughter, Brenda in 1971. She is survived by her husband, Donald; three children: Timothy (Carole), Deborah (Erik), and Jonathan (Jennifer); six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Barbara's family is deeply grateful to Hospice of the Fisher Home in Amherst, MA, whose exceptional team provided the support, guidance, and compassionate care that allowed her to remain at home during her final days, bringing comfort to Barbara and those who cherished her. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Hospice of the Fisher Home.

A small celebration of life will be held at the South Congregational Church in South Amherst on a future date.

Safe travels, Barbara. You will be missed by all who loved you!