TAYLOR
Mary L
Jan. 6 1925 - Aug. 27 2014
Mary Taylor died peacefully in her sleep at her home on Wednesday, August 27 2014. Born in Winnipeg Manitoba on January 6, 1925, Mary was devoted to her family, grandchildren and her nursing career. Compassion and caring for others was her true purpose in life. As teenagers Mary met her husband Allan and they married on September 13, 1946. Mary worked as a Registered Nurse across Canada before the family settled in Red Deer in 1967 where she worked at the Red Deer Regional Hospital for many years on 2 North and Unit 22. In 1987 Mary received the AW Miller Memorial Nurse of the Year Award from the AARN in recognition of her dedication and commitment to patient care that was the cornerstone of her approach to nursing. Her involvement in the Red Deer area was far reaching. She was instrumental in establishing the Red Deer Chapter of the United Ostomy Association, the CPR program and the Junior Volunteer Orientation at Red Deer Regional Hospital. She served on both the Central Alberta and Provincial Council of the AARN for many years. Mary was also a volunteer instructor for the Red Cross Program teaching emergency care to home care providers. She was actively involved in the Mastectomy Home Visiting Program, Council On Aging, United Way, Twilight Homes Foundation and the development of Downtown House a drop in centre for the elderly and later the Golden Circle. Mary also sat on the Provincial Board of Directors for the Canadian Cancer Society. Retirement meant time for numerous volunteer organizations, particularly the Cancer Society and time to enjoy her garden and acreage in Balmoral Heights, camping, canoeing and most importantly time with her grandchildren - being there for every sport and dance event. Trips to Ol' MacDonalds, West Edmonton Mall or a special lunch date with Grandma are treasured memories. Although dementia curtailed her activities for the past several years, Mary still had an infectious smile and enjoyed being close to her family. She was comfortable and happy. Her powerful influence, love and caring memory will be cherished by her husband of 68 years Allan Taylor, son Don and daughter Elizabeth, grandchildren Brad (Heather) Jillian and Mark and great grandson Max. A Celebration of Life will be held for Mary at Gaetz United Church, Wednesday September 3 at 2:00 PM. Memories can be shared through her home address 242 Addington Drive, T4R 3N4.