Priscilla “Sil” Black, 78, of Bakersfield, Calif., died August 28. The only child of Joseph and Lillian Black, she grew up in Newtown. She taught in the Newtown public school system in both its elementary and middle schools, leaving behind a legacy of engaged and motivated students.

After employment as a food writer for The Newtown Bee, subsequent positions she held focused on aiding and empowering those less fortunate, including helping ensure the availability of legal aid to those who could not afford representation as well as working on behalf of the homeless.

Before moving to California, she spent many years retired in Dania Beach, Fla., where she enjoyed the state’s plants, birds, light, and dewy breezes. Her other pleasures in life included travel, the Spanish language, the Sunday New York Times, a love of books, and a distaste for television.

Her three children, Josh Sugarmann of Washington, DC, Elizabeth Sugarmann of Loveland, Colo., and Jesse Sugarmann and his wife, Erica Yamada, of Bakersfield, Calif.; and her grandchildren, Sunn Black Sugarmann and Umi Samara Sugarmann survive her.

Her former husband, Stuart Sugarmann, predeceased her.

In keeping with her wishes, there will be no visitation.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests contributions be made in her name to the Democratic candidate of their choice.