Mary (Gerrie) Black

Mary (Gerrie) Black of Dyer, IN passed away on the evening of Sunday August 29, 2021 surrounded by family. Born on May 24, 1936 in Hammond Indiana to the late Walter and Norma Decker. She was proceeded in death by her husband of 46 years, Donald K. Black, brothers Wilford and Walter Decker and sister Norma Bussie. She leaves behind her sister Joyce (Cecil) Richardson, her three beloved daughters Michelle Dulin, Tammy (Fred) Davis and Tisha (Kevin) Ebert, four grandchildren Bradley Dulin and partner (Scott), Timothy (Jennifer) Dulin, Russell Davis and fiancée (Jordan) and Mary Davis as well as two great grandchildren, Jack and Alissa Dulin and many nephews and nieces. She also leaves behind her many grand dogs who had a special place in her heart. She loved spending time with all of them.

A Visitation will be held at Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8941 Kleinman Rd (one block south of Ridge Rd) Highland, IN, 46322 on Thursday September 2, 2021 from 9:00 am - 11:00 am, with a Funeral Service beginning at 11:00 am.  Burial will follow at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens.
 

Mary, a Hammond Tech graduate married the love of her life Donald K. Black in 1957. They moved from East Chicago to Dyer in 1965 where they raised their children and were active in their community. After the death of her husband in 2004, Mary remained in Dyer and enjoyed spending time with her neighbors and friends she made over the years. She had many other friends she shared interests in such as sewing and gardening which brought her great joy. She worked locally for many years for family-owned businesses. In the mid 1980’s she went to work in Chicago and began a successful career in Human Resources. She found this to be her passion. She started a group for other women in the Human Resource field to come together and share ideas. During this time, she attended DePaul University in Chicago to further her career. Mary loved to learn new things and meet new people, so this was an exciting time for her. She thoroughly enjoyed the time she spent in her classes. Once she left her job in the Financial Industry, she started her own Human Resource consulting business where she worked until she retired. One of her most rewarding assignments was when she volunteered for Americorps and worked with students at her grandchildren Russell and Mary’s high school.

She was a lifelong seamstress and knitter. She kept her family warm and fashionable in the scarves and clothes she made. Not to mention the pillows, dish cloths and other items she made. She loved to cook, and you could always count on her to share a good recipe. She was a gardening enthusiast and loved to share her knowledge of plants.

Mary was very proud of the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren and never hesitated to let them know. Mary was very devoted to her family and was never shy with affection or praise. She had a laugh that was contagious to all those around her. Mary’s family meant the world to her and she meant the world to them.

The family would appreciate it if visitors would wear a mask.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Mary Black’s name to:

Dunes Hospice Foundation

4711 Evans Avenue

Valparaiso, IN 46383

www.duneshospicellc.com

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