Patricia L Taylor

Born September 7, 1944, Died August 5, 2019

Natural helpers are the ones who consistently contribute to others without need of acknowledgment or reward--gracefully holding the weight of great problems while standing for others' well-being. This world lost a mighty helper on Monday, August 5th, as Patricia Lynn Taylor transitioned to death surrounded by loved ones.

Born on September 7th, 1944 in Chicago, Illinois, Pat lived her life as an inspiration--as family, friend, caretaker, spiritual teacher, child advocate, nurse and community leader. Optimistic and guileless, her buoyancy always lifted the spirit, and her willingness to believe the best in everyone had us all trust that more was always possible. Pat was selfless love embodied.

Living most of her life in Hammond, Indiana, Pat dedicated herself to nursing, being a mother and wife, and caring for her late mother and husband. She was an active and impactful volunteer with local and state Parent Teacher Associations and, later in life, with Landmark Education. Computers were a passion, as was spiritual development. Toward the end of her life, she became a Reverend. Never without a list, she felt best when productive. She often had a creative project on her mind; as a crochet artist she crafted endlessly.

Pat was a matriarch whose caring and detailed nature made her the glue connecting family and friends. She was often the catalyst for adventures, motivating trips and outings with her best friends, the "Soul Sisters," and with family members. Christmas was never complete without the gift of an ornament, often handmade, from Pat.

She was a literal person who never really thought she was funny. This, in fact, meant she was hilarious. With her slate blue eyes sparkling and innocent, she was prone to confused and adorable belly laughs.

Her hugs were magic.

She forgave with mastery.

And, even in the darkest moments, Pat tended toward kindness, understanding and gratitude.

Pat's family and friends love her very much, just as she loved them. Pat is preceded in death by husband James E. Taylor, her parents Virginia and Robert Shantz and John and Mary Eisen, brother Thomas (Tommy) Shantz, sister-in-law Diane Shantz and nephew John (Jackie) Eisen. She is survived by: her children Edwin (Ed) and wife Susan (Sue) Taylor, Virginia (Ginny) and husband Dan Rosner, Sandra (Sandi) and husband Jason Hillegonds, Susan Taylor and partner Mario Stevens, and Dela (Carol) and husband Dugan Murphy; her grandchildren Jason Carson, Jason Carson Jr., Johnathan (Johnny) Taylor, Brittani Taylor, Ginger and husband William (Will) Harper and their children Peyton and Liam Harper, and Dominick (Mario) Taylor; her siblings John (Jack) and wife Deborah (Debbie) Eisen, William (Bill) and wife Betty Shantz, Glenn Shantz, David (Dave) and wife Carmen Eisen, Jerry and wife Joanne Hanley, Barbara Hanley, and sister-in-law Lynelle Shantz; her nieces and nephews Samantha (Sam) and husband Tendayi Jera and their children Julianna, Aaniya, Marcel, and Ariya Jera, Andrew Shantz, Brian Shantz, and Robert (Bobby) Shantz. Pat's heart held so many more family members, always, both from the U.S. and across the pond.

A celebration of life is planned for Friday, August 16th from 4-8pm at Kuiper Funeral Home (9039 Kleinman Road, Highland, IN). Visiting hours are 4-8pm and will include a "gift of words" in which the family will welcome brief stories and acknowledgements about Pat and her life from 7-8pm.

In lieu of flowers, please give a gift to one of Pat's favorite nonprofits, Unity Worldwide Ministries or Hammond Education Foundation. And visit the theater to see a wholesome musical. She loved doing that.