Mary Ann Black Victor

Mary Ann Black Victor, a 40-year resident of Margate, FL, passed away peacefully on the morning of January 9th, 2026. Mary Ann was born in Meyersdale, PA on May 15th, 1938. She was the second daughter of Melda Heffley Black and William Hoblitzell Black of Neville Island, PA and is preceded in death by her sister, Elizabeth Jane Easton, Cranberry, PA. Mary Ann was the granddaughter of Franklin B. and Flora Snyder Black of Somerset County. Flora was a pioneering civic leader, who founded the Society of Farm Women Of Pennsylvania in 1914 to support local farm women, which is still active today.

The Black family moved to Neville Island, PA where Mary Ann worked for shipbuilding company, Dravo Corporation. She met her late husband of 57 years, Harry J. Victor, there. She later shared her grace and poise, teaching at the Earl Wheeler Finishing & Modeling School and Weight Watchers in Pittsburgh, which launched her into a lifelong, successful career in retail sales for companies like Estee Lauder, Chloe/Lagereld,Victoria's Secret, and Sunglass Hut, where she was a successful Regional Manager in Florida.

In an era when few women 'did it all,' Mary Ann managed a thriving career while also contributing to the family business, Victor’s Discount Auto Parts – Butler, PA. From babysitters and schoolwork to advertising and balancing the ledger books, she was a master with tireless energy and grit.

Mary Ann was also a truly talented artist who enjoyed drawing, painting and creating spectacular holiday pieces that loyal customers cherished each year. She had a gift for words, writing whimsical poetry, and possessed a beautiful singing voice. Her love for life extended to music—she played the drums in her high school band and adored rock & roll, with a special place in her heart for Elvis and Axl Rose. A deeply faithful and spiritual person, Mary Ann was interested in religion and archeology, attending classes and reading many books on a variety of subjects. Above all, she loved her animals, especially her dear French Bulldogs.

Left to honor Mary Ann’s memory are her daughter Christina Mari Palopoli and husband Joseph Jr. of Coral Springs, FL and their sons Joey (Killian) of Jacksonville, FL and Michael of Parkland, FL. Her son William and wife Jennifer and their daughter Julia of Decatur, GA, along with several beloved nieces and nephews across the miles.

"I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one, I’d like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done. I’d like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways. Of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days. I’d like the tears of those who grieve to dry before the sun, of happy memories that I leave when my life is done."

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to The Greater Broward Pap Corps, www.thepapcorps.org/greater-broward/grebro-ways-to-give or The Humane Society of Broward County, www.humanebroward.com/donate.