PITTSTON – Marlene Joyce (Edwards) Black passed very peacefully on Sunday Jan. 31, 2021.

She was born in Anson on May 16, 1936, the daughter of Norman and Esther (Beals) Black.

She attended Augusta schools, and grew up on Riverside Drive where she met the love of her life, Ken. They graduated from Cony High School in 1954.

While Ken was in the Marines, Marlene attended Forsyth Dental School and received her certification for dental assistant. She later worked for her father Norman Edwards in his dental practice.

Ken and Marlene married in 1956 and remained until Ken’s death in 2013. He truly was her “Semper Fi”. Marlene and Ken loved the outdoors. They enjoyed their time in Alaska, Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons, but their favorite was the Allagash. It was their second home.

Also going to heaven before her were her parents, Norman and Esther Edwards; and her sister, Patricia Edwards.

She is survived by her son, Michael Black and his wife Sheryl of Vassalboro, her daughter, Cheryl and her husband Jim Damon of Pittston; two brothers, Richard Edwards and his wife Elinor of Windsor and Bryce “Bud” Edwards and his wife Olive of Augusta, two sisters, Deborah Billing and her partner, Bruce Boynton of Augusta and Wanda Crowley of Waterville. She adored her four granddaughters; and was finally able to meet her fourth great-granddaughter; also her many nieces and nephews; and Young Road, Yellowstone and Allagash friends.

The family would like to thank the many healthcare workers involved in Mom’s care. The staff at St. Mary’s Hospital, Androscoggin Hospice and Schooner Memory Care are to be commended for their skills and compassion.

A service will be held once a proper sendoff can be done.

Arrangements are in the care of Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, One Church St. Augusta where condolences to the family may be shared on the obituary page of the website at http://www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers please just practice random acts of kindness, whether for a loved one or a complete stranger. She would love that!