Linda Elaine Nielson Taylor's Obituary
Linda Elaine Nielson Taylor was born November 1, 1951, in Redwood City, California to Howard Curtis and Julia Adams Nielson.
She died on January 20, 2024, after a long illness. She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Stanley L. Taylor, and six children: Vicki (Cory) Christensen, Ric Taylor, Shelly (Leo) Gramajo, Tami (Bill) Van Sickle, Warren Taylor, and Joshua (Laura) Taylor. Elaine had 20 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents and daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Collins LeFevre Taylor. She is survived by her siblings: Noreen Astin, John Nielson, Mary Lee Jackson, Jim Nielson, Jean Cundick, and Howard C. Nielson, Jr.
While growing up, Elaine lived in Palo Alto, California; Washington, D.C.; Dugway, Utah; and Provo, Utah. She graduated from Provo High School in 1970 and attended both Southern Utah State College and BYU. Elaine took a break from her studies while her children were young but went back to school in the 1980s and earned her bachelor’s degree in English teaching from BYU in 1989.
Elaine married Stanley Leland Taylor on May 27, 1972. During their life together, they lived in Lehi, Spanish Fork, West Valley City, Payson, Genola, and Provo. Elaine held several jobs throughout her life, including working as a messenger in the Utah legislature, doing sewing alterations for several businesses, teaching school, and working in the insurance industry.
Elaine had a love for sewing which began when her grandmother, Zula Nielson, taught her to sew as a child. She sewed her own wedding dress with the help of her grandmother and continued this tradition by sewing several of her daughters’ and daughters-in-law’s wedding dresses as well. Elaine sewed many special toys and lots of clothing for her children while they were growing up. Elaine also loved quilting and over the last 20 years has made many quilts which she has mostly given away to family and loved ones. In her last months, Elaine realized she needed to make two more “big quilts” for her two youngest grandchildren and was able to complete them both before her illness took away her ability to keep sewing.
Elaine enjoyed traveling with Stan and going on cruises. They went on cruises to Alaska, the Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, the Panama Canal, and Europe. She liked going to new locations and enjoyed the people and cultures of other countries. She thoroughly loved Scotland and found Edinburgh Castle particularly interesting.
Elaine battled many health challenges throughout her life, increasingly in her later years. With the loving support of her husband, she endured these illnesses with courage and strength. She found peace and enjoyment by engaging in her hobbies and staying active in the church, despite her pain and discomfort.
Elaine was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She faithfully magnified her church callings and especially enjoyed working with family history.
We love you very much and we miss you!
Services will be held at the LDS chapel located at 1498 E 800 South, Provo, Utah, on January 27, at 10:00 a.m. Viewings will be held January 26 from 7:00-9:00 p.m., and January 27 from 9:00-9:45 a.m. at the same location. Interment will be in the Richfield City Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.premierfuneral.com.
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