Mary Georgena Taylor's Obituary
Mary Georgena Taylor was born November 22, 1949 at Queen of Angels Hospital in Los Angeles, California to Richard James Taylor and Georgena Anderson Taylor. Her mother suffered from a heart condition that was the result of rheumatic fever she’d had as a young woman. She had been warned about having children but went ahead and had Mary’s sister Genieve and then Mary. Six weeks after Mary’s birth her mother passed away. Mary and her sister lived for a time with her Aunt Helen and Uncle Harry and their family. Later Genieve and Mary went to live with their paternal grandmother Genieve Douglas Taylor.
Their father married Ruth Johnson, and the girls joined the family unit. Ruth was a loving mother to both girls. They ultimately settled in Henderson Nevada where Dick was involved in construction and development, LDS Church leadership, and local politics.
In 1965, when Genieve was a sophomore, she was involved in a terrible car accident that rendered her a quadriplegic. This event changed the lives of Mary and her family. The focus became helping Genieve recuperate and make progress going forward. Family and neighbors were ready helpers with Genieve and her physical therapy regiment.
Progress was being made when once again a terrible accident halted that progress. In 1968, Mary’s father was a passenger in a small aircraft that crashed outside of Las Vegas on a return flight from Salt Lake City, Utah. His death once again added additional challenges.
With in a short time, Ruth, Mary and Genieve moved to Provo, Utah. Provo and later Orem, Utah became Mary’s home for the rest of her life. Mary graduated from BYU with a degree in accounting.
Mary accepted a call from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to serve in the Florida Tallahassee Mission. Mary’s greatest love was for her Savior Jesus Christ. She exemplified her desire to walk in his footsteps through her love of all people and serve wherever she could.
Upon returning from her mission she started working for Kitco, an aircraft manufacturing company in Springville, Utah. Her whole working career was spent with Kitco. She received many awards over the years from them.
Genieve’s care was always planned and supervised by Mary, who was able to hire capable helpers in the community. At one point, Genieve lived for 8 years with her Aunt Helen and Uncle Harry, who were devoted to her care and well-being. Mary so appreciated this time as it provided her the opportunity to enhance her training and put her in a position that she felt able to manage and take care of all of Genieve’s needs. Mary hired qualified people to stay with Genieve while she was at work. Many have remained lifelong friends. Her mother always held a tender spot in her heart and she found plenty of time to be with and help her. Her mother Ruth passed on June 28, 2008. Genieve passed away on March 16, 2017. After the loss of all of her immediate family her cousin Frances Doney filled the void by making sure that Mary always had a place to spend holidays, a traveling companion and someone that could be with her during challenging times. During her last few weeks of life, Mary so much appreciated her moving in to take care of her.
Mary also made and took time for some personal enjoyment time in her life. She loved and revered all living things, great and small. She was continually learning about all species, especially ocean life and snorkeling. (Her favorite spot was near St. John USVI, but enjoyed other spots like Mexico, Hawaii, and the Caribbean Islands. She had an annual pass to the Aquarium in Salt Lake, where they begged her to come and work and share her knowledge with them. Mary treasured her many wonderful friends in Orem, that became her adopted family, and they had many wonderful adventures together.
She enjoyed all of her Church callings, but especially enjoyed being the Relief Society President in such a marvelous Ward. Mary and her Aunt Barbara Taylor, spent many wonderful hours together, researching and writing family history. Even while battling with cancer, she still frequently served others and provided knitted booties for newborns. Her Gardens remained perfect and she continued attending the Temple until she passed. One time, as one of her aunts was holding her hand, Mary said “caring for Genieve was the greatest blessing in my life.”
Mary joined her family in Heaven on September 9, 2024. A Memorial Service will be held on Sat, October 19, 2024 at 11am, at the LDS Stake Center on 95 N 600 W, Orem UT.
What’s your fondest memory of Mary?
What’s a lesson you learned from Mary?
Share a story where Mary's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Mary you’ll never forget.
How did Mary make you smile?