Lorrie Gladys was born in Chesley on Saturday, April 2, 1960, to loving parents Walter Mac and Gladys Evelyn (Metcalf) MacDonald. Together with her parents, Lorrie resided in Chesley and, in time, attended Chesley Public School. It was during this time that she was introduced to an Elderslie Central student by the name of Thomas MacDonald Black. In fact, the two began dating in elementary school. While they initially drifted apart, they reconnected in high school. At the young age of 16, she purchased a 1974 Mustang 2 in which she and Tom would tour all over Bruce County. Together they graduated from Chesley District High School in 1978.

Following high school, the couple became engaged. They then moved to Kitchener for a year. During this time, they were married at Geneva Presbyterian Church in Chesley on Saturday, July 19, 1980. After experiencing a few different vocations, both Tom and Lorrie decided to go back to school and further their education. They both enrolled at Georgian College in Owen Sound, where Lorrie enrolled in the computer programming course. After graduating, the couple relocated to Oshawa, where they both found work with Ontario Hydro. Here, Lorrie acted as a computer programmer for the next five years. It was during this period of their life that they became parents, welcoming their daughter Jennifer in 1988. Lorrie returned to work for a few months following Jennifer’s arrival, but in 1989, they decided to move back to Chesley to be closer to family. The Black family continued to grow in the years following with the arrival of Courtney in 1990 and Christian in 1992.

As you can imagine, life was busy for Lorrie with three children four and under. She spent her days caring and supporting her young family, tending to their every need. It was during these years that it was decided Lorrie would not return to work but instead stay at home and help care for their children. As the kids got older, they ventured out on many family adventures. The Blacks enjoyed camping as a family, which she loved even though she preferred her bed to the tent. However, she was a team player, and together with her family, experienced much of Ontario, the east coast, as well as travelling west to Alberta. There were also a few trips south of the border. Lorrie enjoyed these adventures, and together with Tom did more travelling after the kids left home. In recent years, they have travelled to the United Kingdom multiple times, as well as experiencing Norway, France, and a river boat cruise down the Danube River – her favourite, as she saw so many different beautiful places. And who could forget the Alaskan cruise with many of Tom’s siblings and their spouses? A fun time was had by all!

Back at home, Lorrie enjoyed a quite simple life surrounded by family and friends. She enjoyed photography, flower gardens and often spent free time crafting. Lorrie also loved to decorate, particularly for the holidays, and was the proud recipient of a 3^rd place prize for last year’s Homecoming house decorating competition. She was a member of the Chesley Agricultural Society and was a regular contributor to the Chesley Fall Fair. On more than one occasion, she was a recipient of the Arts & Crafts award, as well as volunteering her time as a judge. She enjoyed collecting a variety of knick-knacks through the years, but was probably best known for her oil lamp collection. She was an avid animal lover and thoroughly enjoyed their companionship. Dogs and cats were always a part of the Black family. She was also a supporter of the Lucknow Pet Rescue, always looking to help where she could. Lorrie loved anything written by Mary Higgins Clark and was a major fan of Coronation Street, and any British programming, for that matter.

In more recent years, she became a proud “Granny” with the arrival of Elliot and Hailey. She cherished them dearly and loved spending time with both of them. She made herself available to babysit whenever needed and loved having them for sleepovers. Like most grandmothers, Lorrie was known to spoil them “a little”… Honestly, any time with her grandchildren was precious time!

Lorrie will be remembered as a thoughtful, caring woman who always put the needs of her family before her own. She loved having the family together and was looking forward to having them all together at Christmas. Sadly, it was not meant to be, as her health declined in recent weeks and she was admitted to the hospital on Christmas Day. Lorrie passed away after a brief illness at Brightshores Health System, Owen Sound, on Sunday, January 4, 2026, in her 66th year.

Beloved wife of Tom. Cherished mother of Jennifer Black of Port Elgin, Courtney (Josh) Good, and Christian Black, all of Chesley. Devoted grandmother of Elliot and Hailey. Lorrie will be fondly remembered by the entire Black family. She was predeceased by her parents, Walter and Gladys (Metcalf) MacDonald.

A private service honouring Lorrie’s life will be held with inurnment at a later date in the Chesley Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Adopt-A-Pet Rescue Lucknow or Grey Bruce Community Aid Network would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.