Kathleen (Kathi) Taylor

Kathleen (Kathi) Taylor, born on January 28, 1957, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on January 24, 2025, at the age of 67. Kathi's kindness, creativity, and devotion to her family and friends will leave an indelible mark on the hearts of all who knew her.

Kathi began her life in Framingham, MA, before moving with her family to Rochester, NY. As the third of six children, Kathi was raised with a love of nature, the ocean, and strong family values. Summers with her grandparents in Gloucester, camping trips, and boating adventures with her family were among her most cherished memories. She graduated from Mercy High School in Rochester, NY with the Class of 1974.

In 1978, Kathi earned her degree from Framingham State University, where she formed lifelong friendships that became a second family. Since their college days, this close-knit group of friends has shared laughter, love, and unwavering support for one another. This year marked 50 years of their enduring bond, a milestone for which Kathi was deeply grateful. She had a remarkable gift for making friends wherever she went, brightening the lives of everyone she encountered.

Kathi began her career as a high school Home Economics teacher, where she shared her talent and passion for creating beauty and comfort in everyday life. She later transitioned into the business world, building an impressive career at South Shore Packing Company, which later became Sysco Corporation. Kathi's leadership skills, work ethic, and warmth earned her the admiration of her colleagues and customers. She rose through the ranks to hold a senior leadership position, making a lasting impact in her field.

At the age of 21, Kathi met the love of her life, Ted Budzyna, and they built a remarkable life together. The couple realized their dream of building a home on Cape Cod in Dennis, Massachusetts, where they created a haven filled with love, laughter, and beauty. Kathi’s creativity and attention to detail were evident in every corner of their home, from the stunning garden she meticulously designed to the beautiful drapes she sewed by hand. Her garden was so extraordinary that it was featured on local garden tours, a testament to her talent and dedication.

Kathi’s love for cooking and entertaining was unmatched. She delighted in preparing delicious meals for family and friends, filling her home with warmth and hospitality. Ted’s Annual Golf Tournament, was a highlight for many, featuring Kathi’s famous surf-and-turf dinners, complete with homemade clam chowder for 32 hungry golfers.

Kathi also had a passion for travel, exploring the world with Ted and her girlfriends. She approached each trip as an adventure, meticulously planning itineraries and serving as a delightful companion and ‘tour director’. Cruises with friends, trips to Disney, and countless other adventures created memories that Kathi and her loved ones treasured deeply.

Kathi is survived by her devoted partner, Ted Budzyna, as well as her siblings: Julie Taylor Moran and her husband Paul of Wareham, MA; Bob Taylor and his wife Lisa of Gloucester, MA; Paul Taylor and his partner Kristin Hicks of Beverly, MA; and Karen Odell and her husband Mark of Newburyport, MA. She is also survived by 5 nieces, 5 nephews, and 3 grandnieces who adored her. Kathi was predeceased by her beloved sister, Eilie Taylor, of Portsmouth, NH, and her parents, Marie and Robert Taylor, of Northborough, MA.

Kathi’s vibrant spirit, love for her family, and the beauty she brought into the world will be cherished forever. Her lifelong friendships and selfless generosity remain a testament to the remarkable woman she was. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Visiting hours and a prayer service will be held on Thursday, January 30th, from 9 AM to 12 PM at Doane, Beal & Ames Funeral Home in South Dennis, MA. Burial services will follow immediately at Oak Ridge Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to: MGH Frontotemporal Disorders (FTD) Unit:

https://giving.massgeneral.org/donate?re_fund=213391&designation=FTD%20Unit&is_designation=1

To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family, please visit https://www.doanebealamesdennis.com/