New Castle, PA - Joan Peggy (Boddy) Black, age 100, passed away the morning of Sept. 28, 2025, in New Castle, surrounded by family.

Joan was born in London, England, on November 21, 1924, to Grace and Thomas Boddy. She remained a proud British citizen her whole life.

She had one sister and six brothers, all of whom preceded her in death.

As a child, Joan grew up during WWII taking a suitcase to school each day in case of evacuation from her family home during the bombings. She lived with many different families during that time because of this. Starting in her late teens, she worked as a bookkeeper at Lloyds of London Bank.

In her 20s, Joan came to the USA, where she met her husband, Alfred Harry Black (Bud), and married March 29, 1952. They were together until his death in 2013.

After they were married, Joan kept the books for her husband's contracting business and in 1955, they built their home in Neshannock Townshi, where they both lived their entire lives.

They had three children, Kimberly Campbell (Scott), Alfred "Jet" Black and Kevin Black (Rachael); five grandchildren, Jennifer Chiafullo (deceased), Austin Black (Anna), Alexander Clifton (Alexandra), Rachel Gray (Andrew) and Rebecca Milovac (Brent); five great-grandchildren Addison, Eden and Elsie and Charlotte and Genivieve; and two stepgreat-grandchildren, Tyler and Ethan.

Joan planned wonderful cross-country camping summer vacations for her young family each year and continued traveling with her husband and son Alfred later in life. She especially loved the beach and arose early each morning to walk the shores, gather seashells and watch the sun rise while the rest of her family slept in. She made the most of every moment, rain or shine.

A lover of flowers, Joan had multiple gardens in her yard from which she created beautiful arrangements. She was an amazing knitter, having learned at a young age, and made many clothes and blankets for her children and grandchildren as well as for their dolls.

Joan also enjoyed many crafts and had an imaginative and creative touch. Her homemade ornaments decorated her impressive Christmas trees each year. She put her all into the holidays and made them special, preparing delicious family dinners and desserts.

After her children were grown, Joan bowled in several bowling leagues with her husband and friends, often serving as secretary for these leagues for many years. She loved to chat with others and was known for her dry wit.

Although she made her home with her family in America, there remained a special place in her heart for her homeland England. She will be sorely missed by her children and grandchildren, and it will be difficult to fill the emptiness she leaves, having been a pivotal part of the family for so many years.

In keeping with Joan's wishes, there will be no services.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the R. Cunningham Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. of New Castle, where online condolences may be offered to the family at www.cunninghamfh.com.