Marie Mae Taylor

Marie Canote Taylor passed away December 3 in the early morning hours after a very full life of 95 years. A long time resident of Merced she is preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Frank, her infant son, Jon Jeffrey, her parents Bob and Emily Canote, brothers Bob, Jack (Florence), Gene (Betty), Ted (Carol), her special Aunt Anna Skadden, and nieces Laura Jean Nagle and Christine Canote.

She is survived by her daughter Laurie, son Bob, son Brian (Denise). She had 4 grandchildren, Jason (Michelle), Janey (Matt) Jennings, Hannah (Lindsey Lawton, and Mark. There were also 4 great granddaughters who brought her much joy, Katelyn and Megan Taylor and Faith and Celeste Jennings.

Marie was always an active volunteer starting out at Shaffer School with the PTA and being a classroom mother. The school knew that if anything needed to be done they could call on Marie to do anything and everything for them. She would make her famous Santa Claus cookies for her children’s classmates every year. She was also active at Castle AFB helping the new

families find homes and activities for their families. She was a Brownie and Girl Scout leader for several years. Later on she was a volunteer at Mercy Hospital where she eventually managed the hospital gift shop for 8 years.

She enjoyed all the buying trips she went on for that job. While Marie was considered a stay at home mom she did find great joy in helping her friends, the Nevatt’s at their store The Needle Art and Yarn shop. She was an

accomplished seamstress, knitter, could embroider, quilt, cross stitch and do beautiful needlepoint so working there was right up her alley. Then there was the time she opened her own business in Atwater called The Purple Thumb with her dear friend Geri Maloney.

Marie and Frank traveled the world exploring such places as England, Norway, Denmark, Belgium, France, Italy and Russia. She enjoyed bringing treasures back to her kids and grandkids from those trips. They also sailed on many cruises to the Caribbean, Mexico and Alaska. Being an Air Force wife she also visited all 50 states and made sure the family visited the historical sites and natural beauty of our country.

Her family was her greatest treasure. She enjoyed the large and small gatherings and the holidays were always special to her. Her door was open to many and there was always a gift and a meal for anyone who showed up on

Christmas Eve. There were lots of laughs, fun, jokes and joy on those special times. She will be remembered for being the perfect hostess for all.

Her final years were spent living in Park Merced Assisted Living where she discovered her new home. She was very comfortable there and very active in all the activities they had to offer.

Services will be held Saturday December 18, at 10 am at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home. Reception following.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.stratfordevansfunerals.com for the Taylor family.