Post updated November 29, 2024, to include further details about the couple’s family and correct Cecelia’s death date.
When Cecelia Agatha McPhail was born on May 10, 1904 in Welland, Ontario, her father, Archibald James Jacob McPhail (1870-1941), was 33, and her mother, Cecelia (née Garrow) (1876-1941), was 27.
Cecilia had six brothers and three sisters.
A border crossing document dated November 13, 1929 suggests Cecelia was crossing into the United States to go to the Convent of St. Joseph in St. Paul, Minnesota. At the time, it appears she was living at 133 London Avenue, still with her parents. Her occupation is listed as a “Domestic.” The specific purpose of the trip to a convent in Minnisota is unknown, however, a family member suggests that Nicky had made an attempt to become a nun. It is unknown whether or not she completed the task, but her marriage almost exactly a year later suggests that if she did, it didn’t stick.
Cecelia married William John Black on November 15, 1930, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
William John Black was born on May 10, 1907, to parents Samuel Black and Mary (née Middleton).
The couple had five children (for privacy reasons, not listed). William was an employee of International Harvester and Cecelia, who at various times in her life went by the name “Nicky” and “Mickey” was a housewife and mother.
William died on March 29, 1973 at the age of 66. His wife Cecelia died exactly twelve years later on March 29, 1985, at the age of 80. Cecelia is buried at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Burlington, Ontario. William’s burial location is currently unknown.
