Mildred Marion Marion Maiel Taylor

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Mildred Marion Taylor who was indeed a born manager. She will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. She was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with her throughout her life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Marion was an individual who clearly communicated to those around her just who she was and what she was all about. Everyone acquainted with Marion knew her as a well-respected woman who was a stable force in her community.

Marion was born on September 13, 1926 in the little white house on the corner of Whiting and Simcoe Street, in Cedar Dale, East Whitby Township, Ontario. Her parents were Walter and Roberta Maiel. Marion was raised in Westmount, East Whitby Township, Ontario. Even as a youngster, Marion learned to be objective and decisive. Her faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that she carried with her throughout her life.

As a young girl, Marion was able to put her natural abilities to work. She was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, she liked to organize and direct. Marion was raised with five siblings. She had two brothers, John and Robert (died at the age 1.5 years) and three sisters, Rosella the eldest, Lydia and Aurillia (died at the age of 12 from Scarlet Fever). Robert and Aurillia passed away prior to Marion's birth. Marion had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Marion, this was a natural order of life, one she gladly embraced.

Marion's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during her childhood. As a young girl, Marion enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Marion took part in baseball and riding her bicycle and in her spare time she liked to play with her dolls. Marion also helped her mother by doing housework.

In school, Marion was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. She sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of her classes. She would eagerly complete her homework, and often put in extra study time when she felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Marion was always good at following directions and meeting her schedules, whether they were set by her teachers or were self-imposed. Marion's personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time.” She graduated from Oshawa Collegiate and Vocational Institute in 1942. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favourite classes and teachers. Her favourite class in high school was Home Economics. The teacher she enjoyed learning from the most was Miss Viola Lidkea.

Marion was sociable and approachable. Because she was always so straightforward in how she approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. She enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When Marion was a member of a group, her interaction worked to keep the others grounded. She wasn’t afraid to confront her friends and, when necessary, she challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to Marion came to expect her high standards of performance. While growing up, some of her best friends were Doris Harman, Doris Baker and Ruby Flewelling. Later in life, she became friends with Bob & Betty McFadden, Pat & Mary Corrigan, June & Harold Keenan.

An objective and conscientious individual, Marion reveled in the security of her family. On August 10, 1946 Marion exchanged wedding vows with Frederick Charles Taylor at the Center Street United Church in Oshawa, Ontario. One of Marion's most endearing qualities was her uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and her unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for her family and friends.

Marion was ever watchful of her son. She worried about him and was deeply concerned for his development as he grew up. She maintained a firm hand in his upbringing. Marion would give her stamp of approval to his requests, as long as she could see how they might benefit. She also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that her son was properly raised. Marion was blessed with one child, Frederick Cecil Taylor She was also blessed with two surrogate grandchildren, Michael and Myles Ali.

Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Marion was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. She was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Marion was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. She worked cooperatively and expected the same from her colleagues. In both her personal and professional environments, Marion upheld her standards. Her primary occupation was as a homemaker. Marion was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

Marion's husband Frederick was a Gunner with the 13th field regiment of the R.C.A. His sense of duty helped lead him into the military where his understanding of rank, his willingness to abide by rules and regulations and his desire to follow orders was admired by his fellow service men and women. He joined the army in 1942 and was stationed in England till June 6th, 1944 after D-Day he was in active combat until the German surrender. He fought in the battles for Juno, Falaise, Calais, Breskin Pocket, the Netherlands and in Germany till the end of the war.

Marion approached her leisure time in the same manner that she approached her life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, she appreciated the hours she was able to devote to her various hobbies. Her favourite pursuits were music and reading. Marion was content to enjoy her favourite pastimes alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Marion to do in life and that carried over to her enjoyment of sports. In high school, Mildred played baseball. Recreational sports included golf and pool. She also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching her favourite events whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list were curling and baseball.

Being generous with her time and energy, Marion liked to belong to a variety of groups and organizations. She was a vocal leader who enjoyed being a part of things. Her desire to uphold traditions and her ability to take charge of any type of project made her a tremendous asset. UCW Center Street United Church, Secretary for Club Carib, Mother's Auxiliary 14th (Cubs) and 12th (Scouts) Oshawa Troops, Ladies Auxiliary UAW CAW local 222 and Family Auxiliary Unifor local 222 for 40 years.

A civic-minded person, Marion was usually ready to jump in and help with community activities. She was the type of person who could masterfully organize events and projects and then see to it that they were run in an efficient and timely manner. Politically, Mildred was given a life membership in the Ontario New Democrats.

Faith was important to Marion. She held high moral standards and was worried about the moral decay she saw around her. For that reason she held deep spiritual beliefs that she was willing to share. She was a member Center Street United Church for 41 years and 22 years with Harmony Baptist Church. During that time, she was part of the Tuesday morning craft group and various bible study groups.

When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Marion used her scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that she made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Marion had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favourite vacations included Las Vegas, Bahamas, Hawaii, Western Europe, Mexico, Trinidad & Tobago and 5 times to Barbados.

Marion was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of Marion's favourites was Buddy a Pomeranian. They were best friends for 16 years. Her family was rounded out by Dusty (cat), Baby (cat) and Tay (Beagle).

As a homemaker mom never retired and she stayed in her own home for 51 years.

Marion passed away on June 23, 2015 at Lakeridge Health Oshawa. Services were held at Oshawa Funeral Home. Marion was laid to rest in Thornton Cemetery - Oshawa.

All who knew her would agree that Marion was a pillar of the community. She lived her life with her feet firmly on the ground. She had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in her thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. She was willing to share her ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Mildred Marion Taylor did her best to ensure that her family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life she touched was given the chance to become a better person.

Monday, June 29th., 2015

Dear Folks:

It is with a heavy heart that I inform you of my Mother's passing. Mildred Marion Taylor

died at 5:30 am on the 23rd. of June.

Last year on August 18, she suffered a heart attack. It was a case of congested heart

failure. The fluids around her heart were so compressed and tight that they stopped the heart

from beating. The treatment for this was an angioplasty of a blocked valve and diuretics (water

pills) to reduce the fluid levels. This work was done at Scarborough Centenary Rouge Valley

Hospital. Rouge Valley and Lakeridge are one local health unit and Oshawa travels to Toronto

for heart care. They treated only what they saw as the heart problem. After ten weeks I had

her removed to Chartwell Centenial Retirement Residence.

The lack of testing in Toronto left mother with no kidney function. After six weeks at

Oshawa General she was stabilized and ready to return to Centennial. She was on dialysis

three times a week. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Saturday was Euchre day at the home

and mother always missed out. Her only regret concerning Centennial. Just prior to Christmas

she was admitted to OGH with influenza. All this time she was adamant that she never

wanted to go through any of this again.

We got mother back to Centennial and she settled in to the routine of daily meals, group

events, and kidney treatments. She flourished. She dropped the water weight, her colour

improved, and her attitude returned to normal. There was some dementia, but she was happy.

We got her new glasses, prosthetics and bras, a wheel chair for mobility. We were both happy.

I got her out occasionally for supper or lunch. I hoped we would have years here.

On June 19 mother's sister-in-law, my aunt Doris died. She had been suffering from a

stroke and finally succumbed to the struggle. Mother and Aunt Doris had gone through

elementary school together in the same class. They had been best friends in high school and

Aunt Doris married mother's brother John. Mother fell at the home on Saturday the 20th. She

was taken to the hospital and quickly fell apart. She stopped fighting. If it was time for Doris

surely it must be time for her. She couldn't hear me, She couldn't see me. The last thing I did

with my power of Attorney was to tell them to let her go and let her be at peace.

This exercise has taken several hours and half a box of Kleenex. It has helped me vent and I

do want you to know what mother went through. I'm sorry I wasn't able to tell you in time for

the funeral. I'm sure some of you are physically unable to have attended. She's not suffering

any more and eventually I won't be either.

Her Son Fred.

* * * * * * * * * *

TAYLOR, Mildred Marion

Passed away peacefully at Lakeridge Health Oshawa on Tuesday, June 23rd, 2015 in her 89th year. Beloved wife of the late Frederick Charles Taylor for 45 years. Survived by her son Fredrick Cecil Taylor. Life Member of Oshawa NDP, Family Aux Local 222 Unifor, Former Secretary of Oshawa Club Carib and longtime member of Harmony Baptist Church. Marion will be missed by all her new family at Centennial Retirement Residence. Visitation will be held at the OSHAWA FUNERAL HOME, 847 King Street West (905-721-1234) on Thursday, June 25th from 6 – 8 p.m. and on Friday, June 26th from 10:00 a.m. until time of Memorial Service in the Chapel at 11:00 a.m. Memorial donations to the charity of your choice would be appreciated.