Obituary: Carolyn F. (Black) Conley
York Harbor
Carolyn F. (Black) Conley, a 91‑year‑old Maine native whose warm humor and timeless style left an imprint on everyone she met, died May 30, 2026, at Sentry Hill assisted living community in York Harbor.
Born in Portland, she was the daughter of Thomas F. Black and Helena I. (Bellefontaine) Black. She earned her diploma from Cathedral High School in 1953.
After meeting her future husband, Bill, the couple married in 1958 and settled in South Portland, where they raised six children. Conley began her professional life with the Bell System—commonly known as Ma Bell—before stepping away to focus on motherhood. When her children were grown, she rejoined the workforce, ultimately retiring from Verizon, where colleagues remembered her for steadfast dedication.
Family members describe Conley as wise, gentle and quick‑witted, with an elegance that extended from her love of fashion to the way she cared for others. Even in her final days, she was focused on the well‑being of those around her, a trait that defined her life.
For the past five years, Conley lived at Sentry Hill in York Harbor, where she forged deep friendships with residents and staff, becoming an integral part of the community.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; her younger brother, Tom; and her parents. She is survived by her older brother, Richard (Dick) Black; six children—Stacey, Sandy, Lynn, Bill, Catherine and Jennifer; 19 grandchildren; and 16 great‑grandchildren.
A joint service honoring both Carolyn and Bill will take place at Central Maine Veterans Cemetery on Mt. Vernon Road in Augusta on Friday, Aug. 7, 2026, at noon. Military honors will be provided for Bill, who served in the armed forces. Arrangements are being handled by Dennett, Craig and Pate Funeral Home in Saco.
In a statement, the family said, “We find comfort in imagining the joyful reunion that awaited her and knowing that Bill was there to welcome her home.” They added that Conley’s kindness, strength, laughter and love will remain in the hearts of all who knew her.
Conley will be remembered for her generosity, integrity and the grace with which she lived, traits that will continue to inspire her extended family and the many friends she made throughout her long life.
