Black, Edna R., Age: 84, Bronx, New York

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Edna R. Black died on Monday, September 26 at Care One at King James Care Center in the love and warmth of her family. She was 84. Born in the Bronx, New York, the only daughter of the late James and Wilma Robinson, Edna was raised on the Sandlass property at Highland Beach and was a graduate of Atlantic Highlands High School. She was employed for several years as a telephone operator for the NJ Bell Telephone Co on First Avenue in Atlantic Highlands.

Edna married Herman J. “Duke” Black in September, 1955 and, with the other wives, joined the four Black Brothers who owned and operated Conners Hotel and Restaurant, the third generation of the Conners family to operate the highly popular business. In later years, when Conners added Conners Beach and Cabana Club, Edna and her sister-in-law, the late Beatrice ‘Sis” Black, operated the snack bar and concession stand at the Club.

Edna’s late husband was also the founding administrator of the King James Care Center and she was known for the unique handmade decorations she made for the dining tables of each of the 125 residents of the care center for each of the major holidays every year. The last formal connection between the Black family and what is now Care One at King James came with Edna’s death. Duke died there in 2007 and Edna was a resident there for 13 years prior to her passing this week.

For the past several years, Edna was president of the Care One Residents Council and ran the monthly meetings with precision, understanding and ability.

Edna is survived by her daughter, Maureen Black O’Connor; her granddaughter, Casey Maureen O’Connor and her fiancé, Richard Fitzgerald Jr.; a great-grandson Mason; and numerous nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Highlands, at 10 a.m. on Thursday, September 29. Burial will be private.