Marijane Dahlem Black

Marijane Dahlem Black Okemos Marijane Dahlem Black passed away on August 31, 2010 in East Lansing. She was born in Jackson, Michigan, February 2, 1916. She was a deeply dedicated teacher, botanist and passionate environmentalist. Marijane attended the University of Illinois and Michigan State University where she received her Masters Degree in Education. Upon her retirement from the Lansing School District, Marijane spent 12 years traveling worldwide with her husband, Ted. Their travels included Africa, Asia, Europe, Polynesia and South America. Marijane was an avid reader, she loved poetry, opera, classical music, politics and hiking with her dogs. She cross-country skied well into her 90's. She revered all nature, kept a natural garden and created a haven for birds, butterflies and any other creatures passing through the backyard of her home in what is now the "Ted Black Woods" in Meridian Township. She continued to keep abreast of current events reading the Christian Science Monitor until the last few days of her life. Marijane was preceded in death by her spouse of 68 years, Charles "Ted" Black of Okemos, two of her four children, Forrest Black of Saline and Jonathan Black of Farmington Hills. She is survived by her son, Thomas (Nancy) Black of La Crescenta, CA; daughter, Bettina (Ron) Black of Fife Lake; six grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and her sister, Betty D. Desbiens of Jackson. She was a loving wife, a devoted mother and grandmother. Marijane will be missed by all who knew her. The family will hold a private memorial. Donations to continue funding of the "Ted and Marijane Black Memorial Library" at the Harris Nature Center may be made to: Meridian Township Parks and Recreation-HNC, 5151 Marsh Road, Okemos, MI 48864. The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, Lansing. On line condolences may be made at www.gorslineruncimanlansing.com