Reverend Isabel Black

Black, Reverend Isabel Anne

21 March 1943 - 1st October 2019

Isabel passed away on October 1st, 2019 in Ottawa at the age of 76.  She leaves behind her husband Maurice Henry Lewis; her younger sisters Jacqueline Kangas and Catherine Homenchuk (Albert Homenchuk); her children: Don Millward (Grace Millward), Lara Millward, Marcel Leger, and Ilona Naujokaitis-Lewis; and her grandchildren: Josh Pyle, and Emma and Alex Millward.  Isabel was born in Nairobi, Kenya and often described 18 years of childhood life as an idyllic and privileged time.  She recalled the pleasure of roaming her family’s farm on her bike and being loved by the workers and so her first language became Kiswahili!  In 1960, Isabel and her family left for Vancouver, British Columbia.  While working at the University of British Columbia, she met a young chemistry student, Stewart Millward and married him 2 years later.  This phase in her life involved welcoming two adopted children: Lara and Don. Sadly, this phase ended with Stew’s death in 1985.  A new chapter started with life as a single mom with Lara, Don and now included Marcel.  In 1990, she began her journey into ministry in the United Church of Canada.  Integral to this adventure was her mentor and lifelong friend, the Reverend Sharon Moon.  In 1995, Isabel was ordained and became the minister at Quyon Pastoral Charge in Quebec.  Her gifts of helping and sharing with people were welcomed and appreciated by the community.  In 2000, Isabel was called to Wilmot United Church in Fredericton, New Brunswick.  There she ministered with the Reverend Peter Short in team ministry.  It was a time of growth and change, reflecting Isabel’s passion for life-long learning and commitment to her community.  In 2005, Isabel returned to her family in Ottawa.  She served as a minister in Williamsburg and Edwards.  Isabel retired in 2007 and began attending First United Church where her journey into ministry began.  Her Legacy is her commitment to family, friends and community.  The family invites you to join them at First United Church, 347 Richmond Road, Ottawa on October 11th, 2019 from 13:00 to 13:45, followed by a Celebration of Life at 14:00 and a reception at 15:00.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First United Church or Doctors without Borders (Medecins Sans Frontières).  Condolences, tributes and donations may be made at www.tubmanfuneralhomes.com

“The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the greatest intentions.”

Khalil Gibran