Penelope “Penny” S. Black

PITTSTON – Penelope “Penny” S. Black, 75, died peacefully on Monday, Oct. 21, 2024, following a long illness with her loving husband by her side.

Penny was born in Westbrook on Feb. 1, 1949, the daughter of the late Eldon H. and Edna (Knight) Hahn. After attending local schools and graduating from Yarmouth High School, she worked at Union Mutual. Penny eventually spent a significant number of years as a property owner of apartment buildings, a seamstress for Portmanteau, and as a title abstractor for Smith Elliott Smith & Garmey.

In her youth, Penny was a repeated national rifle champion and enjoyed target shooting much of her life. She grew up with a passion for horses and owned several that she could ride dressage or discover a trail with. Penny liked reading or watching a great mystery, learning about history and WWII, traveling to Europe and Alaska, even just putting a puzzle together. Most days she had a beloved dog by her side, if not two or three.

One of her greatest adventures began when Penny met the love of her life, William “Bill” T. Black. They soon married on June 2, 2008. She quickly took over the role as office manager and bookkeeper for the family business, Maine Squeeze Trash Removal. She held the position until retiring in 2020 after the couple sold the business. Penny volunteered at the Greyhound Placement Service where she and Bill both faithfully volunteered for over 10 years and brought home several rescued dogs as pets. Penny also spent time at the Maine Veterans’ Home with her therapy greyhound, Zak. Penny and Bill enjoyed trips to New Hampshire and Canada during their many years of happiness together.

Penny was predeceased by her sisters Sharon, Helen and Dottie, her brothers Albert, Howard, Tommy, Eddie and Rob.

She is survived by her loving husband, William T. ”Bill” Black; her daughters Sara Skolfield, Amy and her husband Barry Strout stepdaughters Chasity Kroot, Heather Black and Melissa Black; grandson, Nathan, step-grandchildren, Mariah, Kayne, Bryce, Bella and Cadence; step-great-granddaughter, Aria; sisters Ethel McKeen, Ellie Grubb, Gloria Ciesielski and Shirley Caldwell, brother, Clifford Edgerly, Jr; along with a generous amount of in-laws; cousins; nieces and nephews.

A private service will be held at the Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Augusta at a later date. Arrangements and guidance are in the care of Staples Funeral Home, 53 Brunswick Ave, Gardiner. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared with the family on the Staples Funeral Home website http://www.StaplesFuneralHome.com