Oakham – Stephanie Black, 81, of Oakham, Massachusetts, passed away on Sunday, April 12, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Melrose, MA, on April 20, 1944, to the late Frank L. and Thelma (Staples) Morse.

She attended local schools and obtained an Associate of Science degree from the Stockbridge School of Agriculture, later becoming a veterinary technician. She also drove school buses for many years, a role she took great pride in. Stephanie loved nature and spending time at Peg Mill, tending to the animals, riding horses, and driving tractors.

As a young girl, she helped her father build and work on planes and even flew them around the Mattapoisett area.

Stephanie leaves her beloved husband of 51 years, Harold C. Black; her daughter, Karen Black and her partner Shawn Freeman; her son, Harold L. Black, Sr. and his wife, Stephanie T. Black; her sister, Debby Merrick; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews who will cherish her memory.

All services are private at the request of the family.

Varnum Funeral Home, 43 East Main Street, West Brookfield, MA 01585, is assisting the family. Please visit Stephanie’s memorial page at varnumfuneralhome.com to offer condolences.