Marion Black Almquist

Marion Black Almquist was born on May 16, 1932, in Port Jervis, the daughter of the late Faythe and Leo Black.

She graduated from Milford High School in 1948, attended Waynesburg College and graduated from the New York Medical College, Flower Fifth Ave. Hospital School of Nursing in 1953.

She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Mercy College in 1978. In 1954 she introduced to Pike County the Early Intervention Program, forerunner to the Center for Developmental Disabilities (CDD).

She devoted her professional life to children with special needs and was involved in many volunteer leadership positions with foundations targeting children with disabilities. Marion retired in 2010 after 42 years.

Having devoted her professional life to children with special needs, Marion was the first recipient of the Pennsylvania Early Intervention Award. She was a member of the Milford United Methodist Church, the Advisory Board of Pike County Children and Youth, Board of Directors of Mercy Hospital, and a Trustee of Milford Community House and Biondo Memorial Foundation.

Survivors include her husband of 63 years, Ed; sons, Richard and Jon Almquist; daughter, Gretchen Copeland; daughter-in-law, Stephanie Almquist; son-in-law, Lowell Copeland; four grandchildren; brother, Dr. Leo Black of Jacksonville, Fla.; and cousins, nieces and nephews.

Her sister Dorothy Davenport precedes her in death.

A memorial service will be held at Milford United Methodist Church on Saturday, March 28, at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Luana Cook Scott officiating.

Memorial donations may be made to the Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, 315 Harford St, Milford, PA 18337; the Center for Developmental Disabilities of Pike County, 101 Pocono Dr., Milford; or the Milford United Methodist Church, 206 E. Ann St., Milford.

Arrangements are by Stroyan Funeral Home, Milford.