Eulogy delivered by Kay's youngest daughter, Pat Wudwud.

If you had to describe your perfect life, what would it sound like?  

When we reflect on our mother's 90 years, we believe she had HER perfect life.
Mom was born here in Walkerville, on Valentine's Day, in 1926 and, in our minds, was a true sweetheart.  She was the 4th of six children of Art and Mildred Clarke.  There were strong ties with her parents and siblings throughout her life.  They say blood is thicker than water and it was certainly true in our family - although that blood was often fermented.  

One of our favourite memories are the Sunday roast beef and holiday dinners - especially Christmas, at one of the sister's houses. We were loud and silly.  Mom was often in the kitchen and trying to control the noise but she also loved these times (except perhaps the infamous Christmas toast year, when there was too much rum and egg nog and then toasts to everyone - Queen and all).   

We have such fond memories of my aunts, uncles and cousins during these visits and want to say how deeply saddened we are by the loss of our cousin Susan a day before mom passed.  We all agreed that a big party must have been in the works and Susan was in charge of the wine  selection and mom the party planning.  We dearly hope that everyone up in heaven is having a terrific time together.

Mom married dad in 1952 and next week would have been their 64th anniversary.  While in some ways they may have seemed an unlikely pair they were perfect for each other and provided a warm and nurturing environment for the three of us.  They never raised their voices at us or each other.  Cathie always felt the sweetest thing was watching the two of the them walk down the street in their 80s, still holding hands.  When dad developed Diabetes, mom researched and completely changed his diet.  While this was not always to dad's liking, she was doing her utmost to ensure he remained healthy.

Mom was well known for her frugal ways. Likely a result of being born in the depression era and having seen her parents lose a few homes, she could teach a lesson on how to economize. She was the original reduce, reuse, recycle before it was a fad.  She and dad were able to buy their first and only house when many couldn't afford it.  Mom took great pride in ensuring we had everything we needed.  She made most of our clothes, sewing endlessly to ensure that we were all well dressed.   Mom always looked so elegant at every function.  

Mom loved "her figures" and had an amazing memory with numbers.  Cathy said that mom could recount all of our licence plate numbers without even trying. In the early years of their marriage, out of necessity, mom would account for and balance every cent that they brought in.  She has a cigar box where there is an envelope for every bill.  She was so good with bookkeeping that the owners of the Freeds clothing store had her looking after their daily business financial transactions.  Her self-trained business practices eventually landed her a job at Sears in the cash office, where she stayed for 25 years.  John said she understood payment plans and the benefit of never paying interest better than anyone he had ever known.

Mom and dad loved to travel.  They have been to more places than we can imagine - Hawaii, England, Italy, Greece, Portugal, Prague as well as Bora Bora.  While many of these trips were quiet times with just the two of them, several were with Aunt Rosemary, Uncle Ken, Aunt Ede, Aunt June and Uncle Syd.  These always sounded like such fun times.  

As we were growing up, we always went on 2 vacations a year. We would go to Aunt Dot's on the St. Lawrence and Charleston Lake in the summer and, in the spring, we would go to Florida.  Mom ensured that we had great vacations.  Through economizing and planning, she was able to get us to places at very little cost  - it meant travelling free on the bus and eating chicken that she has previously fried and frozen but it allowed us to see the United States. In fact, we went to California by bus - stopping on the way to swim in the great salt lake, see the Grand Canyon and the giant red woods.

It is probably no surprise that mom's best vacation was going every year to her grandchild Kelly and husband Paul's cottage in the Muskokas.  Mom loved family.  From her three children, she has 7 grand children and 9 great grand children, who refer to her as big grandma.  Nothing gave her a bigger thrill than hearing that one of the great grand children wanted to know where she was - that they missed her.  She loved the fact that Reese, one of her great grand children, wanted her to sleep in her bed when she visited.

I asked her 7 grand children what they would most miss about mom.  Most stated they would miss having her at every family gathering as well as tea/coffee time.  Jen loved the endearing expressions that Grandma had for each of them; she would often greet Jen with "Hi Doll".  Beth will remember the puzzles mom loved to do with the family.  Kelly said it was wonderful the way that mom went out of her way to make sure everything was perfect.  Meg remembers Grandma's stories that taught you something and made you think.  Dom said that she had a quick wit and made you laugh.  Alie loved that she always took an interest in what you were doing and was very supportive.  Ryan will dearly miss his Grandma's snuggles.   Troubles would just seem to melt away when she put her arms around you.  

Mom also loved to read and garden.  Every room in the house had a few books lying around and she was known to go through a couple while she was visiting you for a week.  We had a big back yard and one of the nicest English gardens in the city.  We just know that you have a garden and new seeds to work with in heaven, mom!
Mom was also a very moral person.  A regular church goer, she was also a member of St Mary's afternoon women's group and for years organized and ran the bake table at the annual Christmas bazaar.  Mom was always there to help a neighbour or to help us.  When we were young, despite having to get to work, she would pile the neighbourhood kids in the car and drive us all to school on rainy days.  She also always tried to be fair - spending the same amount on each present, dividing up vacation time equally between her children and  even splitting the dessert fairly - one cut and the other picked!

Mom was a intelligent, classy, elegant, strong, dignified lady.  Her work ethic, financial acumen, organizational skills were exceptional. In her life, she was extremely happy and a blessing to dad and the three of us.  She taught us to be independent and to care about our fellow human beings.   We will miss her dearly and hope she knows the lasting impact she has had on us and her family and friends.

God Bless you Mom

Dear Kathy & Family,
So sorry to hear of the loss of your mom. She was such a good friend to my mother-in-law, Madeline Young. They both worked hard for their church. I always looked forward to seeing Kay there at a bazar or card party or luncheon. It won't be the same without her. My prayers go out to you & family.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.  We are sorry for the loss of your Mom.  Jill and Ian Alfonzo, Ottawa

My sincere condolences to the family.  I worked with Kay at Sears and have many fond memories of those years.  She was a wonderful woman and I cherished her friendship.

To Pat & family...please accept our deepest sympathy on the passing of your Mom/Gramma. The happy memories will help you through the challenges times. Tom mentioned that you all had a good visit in Toronto earlier this week...special moments to cherish. Love & light from Pam, Melissa & Adam

Patti, I am so sorry to hear of your Mother's passing. Deepest condolences to your family from mine.  But looking through all those wonderful pictures they are an attestment to her love and devotion to your family. They are lovely pictures of lovely memories that will always be cherished. So many babies!!  She was a wonderful women, Mother and Grandmother and I always thought so fondly of her.  I loved her gift of conversation and she was always interested in what we were doing and what was going on in our lives. My visits to 1777 Iroquois are filled with laughter and visions of craft dinner. Although her fried chicken on those bus trips will never be forgotten either. She enjoyed life and I enjoyed having her in my life.  Sad times but so many happy times to push that all away.She is up in heaven reunited with your  Dad, sitting side by side  having a wonderful cup of tea togeather again.  Love and hugs from Beth Cole (nee Parsons), Ottawa.

John & family,
Please accept my deepest sympathies.

So sorry for your loss. I have such wonderful memories of 'Auntie' Kay. She added joy to my childhood. Hugs, Sue and Katrina Thach

The staff of Annies Maid service would like to send  thoughts and prayers are with that Taylor family at the sad time. We had meny great memories and good stories from Mrs. Taylor she will be truly miss by all the girls..

Expressing my deepest sympathy to the Taylor Family. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time.
Ruth Stewart (pharmacy)

My deepest sympathies to you and your family, Cathie. Your mom was such a sweet lady.

OBITUARIO

Kathleen Mildred Clarke Taylor

14 febrero, 1926 – 24 agosto, 2016

Anderson Funeral Home & Cremation Centre

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