Helen Taylor
It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our mom…
Helen Isabel Taylor (Marshall).
October 2, 1939 – June 1, 2024
Mom passed at the Owen Sound Hospital. Cherished wife of the late Ken Taylor. Survived by her daughter Sherrie (Gary) Casemore of Port Elgin and son David at home, grandsons Ryan of Port Elgin and Tyler (Stephanie) of Cumberland, BC and her great granddaughter Eleanor (Ellie). Also survived by her sisters Shirley (Alex) Jackson of Stratford and Bonnie (Jim) Moore of Owen Sound. Predeceased by brothers, Lorne (Charlotte), Doug and Bill and her parents Harry and Nellie (Law) Marshall. Missed by many nieces and nephews, who referred to her as Auntie Helen.
Our Mother was a lady with conviction, perseverance, resilience and from time to time a therapist.
In mom’s young life, she aspired to become a teacher, so she travelled by train to Toronto to embark on her career, but home called her back. And eventually she settled into the role of wife, motherhood and business co-owner with Ken.
Looking back at her youth from conversations we had, she had a tendency to drag every stray animal back to the farm (near Alvanley) with her mother saying to her, “merciful goodness Helen, we don’t have enough to feed all of you, let alone all the animals you drag home.” Mom had considered herself a bit of a tomboy, climbing the apple trees when she was in trouble, which was an acquired talent. Grandma recalled that mom wasn’t afraid to stick up for herself either. Small but mighty, as one would say.
In her young adult years she could be seen at a restaurant drinking cherry coke waiting to catch a movie, if it didn’t run over curfew hours. But her love was attending country dances sporting her favourite moccasins. As she said, “they were comfortable and that’s what she enjoyed. Living the simple life, never wanting for much. As time went by and her family got older, she set out to work at Whitaker Cable; climbing quickly. She became a Lead hand; proving her leadership skills, dedication and perseverance. She was a quick study and loved working outside of the house. Developing new friendships and lending an ear, if someone needed it. She was introduced to new group of ladies from a foreign country with some sad stories to tell. This made her appreciate the gifts that she had even more. Eventually she returned to home life but not before purchasing a colour television for her family to enjoy, again putting “family first” never herself. Fast forward a few years, while at home, she was a baking force. Quite often she would bake pies, butter tarts, cookies, you name it. Her kitchen always smelled great.
She finally did something for herself by taking a professional sewing course, followed by making handmade quilts, which she gave to her family, possibly getting prepared for the exciting news to come. She was overjoyed at the arrival of her grandsons, first Ryan, then Tyler. You could hear her say that she has waited a lifetime for grandchildren and was excited to be able to grow with them, despite her having suffered a massive heart attack at the age of 49. Not expected to survive having quality of life; she not only did, but she did it in true Helen fashion. She persevered and was able to enjoy her grandsons as they grew, only to deal with the loss of her husband. Later to receive the exciting news of the future birth of her great grandbaby. She was over the moon to learn that she had a great granddaughter ‘Ellie’, to welcome into her family on August 6th, 2019. Her only regret was not having more time to spend with her. She had always hoped that they would bake together some day.
Mom continued with her home life, helping build dad’s business along with enjoying their camping life, going to dances, receiving friends, and family at her door, where coffee was always on. She learned to bake at a young age. It wasn’t uncommon for her nieces and nephews to visit Auntie Helen’s for baked treats, which was something that brought her great joy. It was not unusual to have others drop in and stay for mom’s cooking. There was always enough to share. So many sat at her table to share stories, and advice was always free. You could hear mom saying, “come on in and have a seat.” Her table WAS a gathering place of friendship and family chats.
Careful, you might be sent home with a piece of apple pie or a butter tart or two, all while saying, “eat them up, because they will be stale tomorrow.”
Thank you for being our mom and blessing us with a few more years.