Barbara Black Obituary

Barbara Erisman Black 1914 ~ 2005 A beautiful soul left our presence on June 16, 2005, when Barbara Erisman Black was welcomed home. Barbara, 90, passed peacefully in the comforting arms of her loving children. Barbara was born October 28, 1914 to Albert J. and Jean Webster Erisman in Wilkensburg, PA, grew up in Cleveland, OH, and graduated from Shaker Heights H.S. Pursuing her great love, she studied art and English, and graduated from Lake Erie College excelling in oils, watercolors and wood block prints, one of which was proudly exhibited in the Cleveland Museum of Art for many years. In the aftermath of World War II, Barbara served in the Red Cross in Germany as a Recreational Therapist, helping to raise the spirits of our wounded and disabled soldiers. There she met and married a handsome Major, John L. Black, who brought her home to Salt Lake City. John attended law school as Barbara nurtured their growing family that soon grew to five children; Jean of Olympia, WA; John Jr. (Karen) of Salt Lake City; Parnell (Linda Melcher) of Salt Lake City; Christine Fairchild (Anthony) of San Diego, CA; and Donald W. of Iowa City, IA. They later divorced. In addition to raising her five children, Barbara always found time to donate generously of her time and energy to numerous civic, community and church organizations. These included the Women's Bar Auxiliary where she established a lifelong bond with her beloved "Coffee Girls," the YWCA serving as President of the Board, Girl Scouts, PEO, Sunday Singles which she helped found, and many others. Barbara especially enjoyed serving her church-Wasatch Presbyterian Church. For 50 years, she served in nearly every capacity available, including that of Deacon. Well into her eighties, Barbara visited and comforted the aged and infirm church members, many of whom were younger than she. Barbara treasured her role immensely as mother and homemaker. She loved cooking for her children-five different lunches each day! She reveled in entertaining her many friends. All of her parties had themes with matching centerpieces-long before Martha! Barbara marveled at the wonders of God's creations, the wildflowers of Albion Basin, the kestrel roosting on her window sill, and the skittering sanderlings in Newport Beach. She expressed her love of nature and beauty in her artwork, creating beautiful watercolors into her 80s. In addition to her five children, Barbara is survived by five grandchildren; Dane, Cheyenne and Lacey Fairchild, and Rachel and Bradley Melcher. She is also survived by her very special friend, confidant, Scrabble competitor and caregiver Joanne Scow, who devoted herself tirelessly to Barbara's care, comfort and happiness these last four years. The family wishes to thank the caring staff at the Coventry, Wentworth, and Care Source, Dr. Greg Goodman and his assistant Stephanie Butterfield, all of whom helped to make Barbara's final years as pleasant and fulfilling as possible. A memorial service will be held in Barbara's honor on Monday, July 11th at 11:30 a.m. at Wasatch Presbyterian Church, 1626 S. 1700 E. Friends and family may call Monday from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. prior to the service. Interment will be at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 S. Highland Dr. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Wasatch Presbyterian Church, Lake Erie College or the American Diabetes Association.