Sandra Iris Taylor

Sandy spent her earliest years in snowy Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and near the coastal waters and beaches of Cape Coral, Florida, the daughter of two relentlessly hopeful and energetic German immigrants. While she was known as a sweet and shy kid at school, she inherited her parents’ love of dance and art, and their determination to enjoy the world and good company. She lived for a time in the Florida sunshine boating and fishing with her favorite person, her father Walter Schoelzel.

Sandy grew into a strikingly beautiful woman whose smile and bright wit put others at ease. She received her Bachelor’s degree at the University of Florida in 1981. She started her career as a Road Right-of-Way Agent and spent the majority of her career in state and local government, notably as the Real Property Management Director of Collier County, Florida. She was proud of her role building schools and parks that made communities beautiful and livable for families, and she was a loyal advocate for her coworkers.

Sandy’s life-long friends remember that she loved a good joke, a carefully-orchestrated and extravagant surprise, and a loud laugh. Just like her parents, she approached every stranger with an open heart and a smile. She was an empathetic friend who always had time to lend a listening ear. The living room was full of people at all hours who brought their joys and sorrows, and their complete selves. Sandy also befriended the neighbors’ pets and many deer, foxes, squirrels, birds, and at least one possum, all of whom knew her porch as a safe haven.

Her three kids were blessed with decades of enchanted Christmases, outdoor exploration, and plenty of creativity and music. A naturally talented artist and photographer, Sandy showed her children that their world is beautiful. She taught them to engage and love it fully. She helped her quiet little girl finish pencil drawings and school papers, and for her little boy, she was the loudest parent in the stands at every baseball game. In her words, “You just want your children to feel loved.” She was excited to share a future with them.

Sandy is preceded in death by her father, Walter Schoelzel. She is survived by her adoring husband of 39 years, Richard Taylor; her mother, Elfriede Walker and her mother’s husband Lee Walker. Her children, Jessica Taylor, Jamie Taylor, Jonathan Taylor, and daughter-in-law Danielle Taylor, are honored to reflect some of her light and her smile. She is also survived by a granddaughter, Sam Taylor, who she held any chance she could. She is also survived by a large extended family in the United States and Germany, and innumerable friends.

In lieu of flowers, Sandy’s family asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or local Humane Society, and that you each reach out to your family members to tell them you love them.

A celebration of life will occur at the Ridgewood Swim & Tennis Club at 808 James Doak Parkway, Greensboro, NC 27455 from 2:00 to 5:00 PM on Saturday, January 17. Colorful dress is encouraged. All are welcome.