Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Helen Black Obituary
Oct. 30, 1919 - Sept. 27, 2014
Oakland
Helen Black was born in Pasadena, and first attended Pomona College, then later attended and graduated from UC Berkeley.
She was a devoted member of the UC Berkeley Student Cooperative where she met husband–to-be Bruce Black.
Helen was a highly regarded home economist at the Berkeley Food Co-op, a nutritional and consumer educator, and writer of a weekly column in the Co-op News. She edited the Berkeley Co-op Food Book, and the Co-op Low Cost Cook Book.
Helen inspired friends and family with her commitment to the democratic process, and voting as a means for social change. An inherent activist, Helen encouraged others to evaluate the world based on evidence and reason.
Within her family she was a matriarch. She organized reunions to keep people connected, and presided for decades over the celebrated Thanksgiving dinners in Murphys, CA.
She and Bruce spent years traveling and camping with family and friends throughout the US.
Helen is survived by sister Louise Saurenman; children Jeffrey Black and Martha Black; and grandchildren Gabriela Baker and Sophie Baker.
Helen was ardently admired, a great listener - respectful and accepting – yet not afraid to speak her mind. She was a leader, leading by example, and inspired all of those who knew her.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Helen Black
Sponsored by East Bay Times.
Anne Marie Gray
November 9, 2014
Kit Eakle
November 6, 2014
As a child, Helen was an inspiration to me. Her kind and gentle presence and support were part of my fondest childhood memories. She encouraged Jeffrey and I to start a little neighborhood newsletter, which we wrote, and she typed out for us to deliver around the neighborhood. She and her husband, Bruce, along with their friends, Ted and Dot Beland were the only folks brave enough to come out and visit my family in my 'back to the land' years on a little Island off the East coast of Vancouver Island. We were truly far from anywhere — 10 miles by boat from anywhere. Wonderful memories... My deepest condolences to Jeff and Martha and all the family.
Peter Angelides
November 3, 2014
I met Helen a few years ago through the Prop 13 Reform Group. What a gracious, intelligent, thoughtful person. I'll miss her.
Alison Mitchell
October 29, 2014
I first met our dear neighbors Helen, Bruce and their kids while in elementary school in El Sobrante. Many fond memories of playing with Martha, camping, music, eating (healthy food) and sharing with the Blacks, Belands, Bacons, Tuttles, etc. I feel honored to have known and loved Helen. Much love to Jeff and Martha.
October 23, 2014
My condolences to the family. I know her through our Nutrition Journal Group. Saw her at her new home. She will be missed.
Sue
Joanne Ikeda
October 19, 2014
Helen was a member of our nutrition journal club that met monthly. We chose an article about some aspect of nutrition to discuss. I was always amazed at Helen's ability to recall biochemical pathways and other detailed scientific information. Her mind was incredibly sharp. I was very sorry when she wasn't physically able to join us anymore. She was a lovely woman and I always enjoyed her company.
October 17, 2014
My condolences to the family.
We miss you both, especially your fun and humor.
Hugh and Linda Saurenman
October 17, 2014
Helen was a woman of many talents!
Linda & Hugh Saurenman
October 17, 2014
Dan Gerson
October 16, 2014
Hard to express in words all that Helen brought to my world, and to the universe at large. But of course she's not really gone. Each time we have an interesting conversation over a good meal, read a good book, or take a nice walk, she'll be there in our memories.
Helen in April 2005
Bruce Harris
October 16, 2014
Helen was ahead of her time, promoting real food. She's part of the reason I'm still healthy at 90.
Ted & Dot Beland
October 16, 2014
What a great photo of Helen! We printed it out. It's how we always will remember her. Oh how we miss Helen and Bruce. In January for twenty plus years we met them at a Mojave, motel overnight and then proceeded to Anza Borrego Desert State Park to camp in the low desert for a week or so.
Ted & Dot Beland
Portland, OR (formerly Sacramento, CA)
Madeline Kellner
October 15, 2014
I had the privilege of interning with your mother at the Co-op when I was a student at Cal and admired her very much. I went on to do Public Health Nutrition--her practical approach to food and nutrition was an inspiration. She made a big difference at the Co-op--impacted many lives. You must be proud of her.
October 15, 2014
"fond memorie"s is insuffciient. The co-op and economists are in my heart.
October 15, 2014
We have very fond memories of the co-op (15841) and the home economists. Although it is in separate pages, we still have the Low Cost Cookbook. We send our thanks to her and our condolences to you.
Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results
Make a Donation
in Helen Black's name
Memorial Events
for Helen Black
How to support Helen's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Helen Black's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
