Jane Evangeline Black, 76, passed away peacefully on November 30, 2016, in the comfort of her home at Aspen Gardens.
She was born to Harry and Cecile (Baker) Susag on December 8, 1939, in Helena, where she was raised along with her three sisters. She attended school with the Helena High class of 1958.
When Jane was a tot, her free spirit and determination prompted her elders to keep her safe by tethering her by the beltloops to a long rope secured to a clothesline in the yard. At that time, her mother operated the Log Cabin Grocery on Broadway near their home. One day, the sitter discovered Jane’s empty pants at the end of the rope. Wanting a snack, Jane escaped, found her mother’s store, pushed her way inside, and helped herself to the hot dog cooler. This was one of many events that lead to her eventual childhood nickname Janie Nuisance.
At age 15, Jane donned a ponytail and went to work as a carhop at Gertie’s Drive-In. Her personality and sense of humor quickly endeared her to Gertie and her customers. She went on to wait tables at other Helena restaurants over the years, including her favorite, the Hofbrau.
Jane married Bob Black in December of 1955, and together, they raised four children. The family moved frequently for Bob’s work, residing in Colorado, Ohio, Oregon, Illinois, and Washington before returning to Helena to be near extended family. Jane and Bob developed lifelong friendships wherever they went. Jane was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and aunt who enjoyed bowling and playing cribbage.
At age 55, Jane suffered a lifechanging stroke. Bob was her devoted caretaker until his death in 2011. Jane then moved to Aspen Gardens, leaving behind the family’s beloved log home on Wilder Ave. Jane was heartbroken, but adjusted to her new life and was always appreciative of those who remembered, visited, and cared for her. She was sweet and kind and will be missed.
Jane was preceded in death by her parents, husband Bob and his parents Leo and Hazel Black, sister Shirley Roope, and brothers-in-law Clayton Roope and Jack Black.
She is survived by her children Curt (Darcy) Black of St. Charles, MO, Laurie (Larry) Logan of Helena, Steven Black of Whitefish, and Cherie (John) Stobie of Marion; grandchildren Randy Logan of Portland, OR, Dan Logan of Denver, CO, Melissa Gardiner of North Augusta, SC, and Amanda, Katie, and Dominic Stobie, of Marion; great-grandchildren Allie, Izzy, and Ethan Gardiner; sisters Mary Ann (Wayne) Losey and Judy Rose; in-laws Bev and Ed Bezanson, Jim and Sharon Black, Pam and Bob Walker, Ann Pierce, Viletta Black, and Dianna Black; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Jane will be laid to rest alongside Bob at the Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery at Fort Harrison in the spring, at which time the family will host a celebration of her life.
The family extends heartfelt appreciation to Sherri, Amy, and the staff at Aspen Gardens for providing Jane with loving care and a safe environment in which to live, and for the support and guidance provided to her family over the past five years. The family also thanks Dr. Jessica Bailey and St. Peter’s Hospice for their skilled care and compassion. Memorials are suggested to St. Peter’s Hospice, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601.
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Terri Losey says
Several years ago I was driving from Boise back to Helena and I picked up Jane along the way to bring her back to Helena. She had been visiting Bob where he was working (I can’t remember where, now). She came with her clothes which were folded neatly into a laundry basket. We stopped along the way for a snack. Jane chose Cheetos. At one pint I looked over at her and she had orange Cheeto dust and fingerprints all over her clothing which was black. When I saw the vision of her it struck me very funny and I started laughing. As I tried to tell Jane what I was laughing about it struck me even funnier, so I laughed harder and harder. This of course made her laugh too!. This in turn caused me to laugh even harder. Both of us were going down the road bitten with the kind of laughter that you can’t stop. I was laughing so hard I finally had to pull over because of the tears in my eyes, and the sight of Jane all black with orange. She was laughing because I was laughing, and at first I was laughing to hard to tell her why, and then I was laughing because of her reaction which was to try to brush off the Cheeto dust with her hands that were covered with Cheeto dust. I always enjoyed her company and I will miss her with all my heart! R.I.P. Jane
Terri Losey says
Lit a candle in memory of Jane Black
Londa Burns says
Jane was a sweet lady. She welcomed everyone into her home. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Londa Burns. Londahelena@gmail.com