Joan Catherine Black

BLACK, Joan C., age 87, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones, on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at Sarasota Memorial Hospital. Born in Beverly, Massachusetts, she was the daughter of the late Margaret and Joseph Powers. Joan was the beloved wife of Luman Earl Black; and the loving mother of Margaret Ann Dahlquist, Karen Elizabeth Black, Robert Erwin Black and the late Deina Kathleen Lowery; and the caring grandmother of Amanda Nicole Black, Robert Dixson Black and Lexi Tibbetts-Black. She was the sister of Martha Elliott.

Joan spent her early years as a dental assistant and later went on to be a private business owner with her husband Lu, focused on bringing people together with their love of food and amusement attractions. Each of her children participated in the family business in their youth, where she instilled in them the value of hard work, and the importance of being kind to others. Her career brought her across the New England area with her husband, where they not only shared their exceptional food and entertainment, but also their warmth and generosity with thousands of people. There were many people in the carnival industry that would refer to her as Mom. She was always a quick wit and on her game, which served her well in managing her employees with the goal of keeping the business on track. In turn she was often called a “ninja”, by those who worked for her, because she was somehow around every corner keeping watch. She was always available to lend an ear, offer some insight and was very loyal to those that were in her care. In her retirement with Lu, she moved to Sarasota, where she spent quality, joyfilled time with her sister and brother in law John. Most of all, she was a generous, loving, family driven wife, mother, and grammy, who touched the lives of many; with a vibrant smile, kind hearted personality, and an ever-present sincere voice that will be profoundly missed.

Visitation for Joan will be held Saturday, June 29, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Robert Toale and Sons Funeral Home at Palms Memorial Park, 170 Honore Ave, Sarasota FL 34232, followed by a memorial service at 3:00 PM.