In loving memory of

Patricia Taylor
September 28, 1932 - May 12, 2011

DEFOREST - Patricia Jean Taylor, "Pat," age 78, died Thursday, May 12, 2011 after over a decade of coping with Alzheimer's. She was born on September 28, 1932 to Orris & Mary (Reeves) PeCoy in Alliance, NE. Pat married Jerry Capps in 1951. Patricia married Robert Taylor on April 1, 1966 combining their two families and beginning a new one. When their children were all in school, Pat volunteered at Gompers Elementary School. Eventually she worked for the WI Dept. of Corrections, retiring in 1999. Patricia was diagnosed with colon cancer in 1999 and underwent successful surgery and chemotherapy. In 2000 Robert and Patricia moved to Ocala, Florida to escape the harsh Wisconsin winters. Signs of Alzheimer's had been showing for several years and in 2003 she was diagnosed with the disease.
Patricia was a member of Parkside Presbyterian Church, involved over the years as a Sunday school teacher, a deacon and in the choir. She was a perpetual member of Starlight Chapter Order of the Eastern Star #283 - having served as Worthy Matron with Bob in Monona Chapter #5 in 1985. She belonged to the Rainbow Girls Grand Cross of Color and had been involved with Job's Daughters and Amaranth. Pat enjoyed playing her clarinet, singing, cake decorating, bowling, reading, puzzles and spending time with her family.
Patricia is survived by five children, Jerry (Terri) Capps, Julia McWain, Janet (James) Pfeifer, Dana (Brian) Hischke and Susan (Paul) Herrick; and by one step-son, Bernard Taylor; 19 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; a sister, Phyllis (Jack) Harrison; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Robert, step-son Kenneth Taylor, a grandson Kevin McWain, and a brother Clarence PeCoy.
Funeral services will be conducted on Tuesday, May 17, 2011, at 11:00 AM at the SCHROEDER-CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3325 E Washington Ave, Madison, WI with Rev. Jerry Amstutz officiating. Burial will be at Highland Memory Gardens following the service. Family and friends may also attend a visitation at the funeral home on Monday, May 16, 2011 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM followed by an Eastern Star service at 6 PM. Memorials may be made in Patricia's name to the Alzheimer's & Dementia Alliance of WI 517 N Segoe Rd Ste 301 Madison, WI 53705.

Tributes

Julie McWain wrote on May 26, 2011:

"My memories of my mother are her long hours of making wedding cakes for any member of the family that asked. Her fairness among all of the kids in the family right down to the number and color of each jelly bean in an Easter Basket left no room for arguments. I will miss her dearly. I know she is in a good place now with others that love her. She isn't suffering in any way now and for that I am grateful, as Alzheimer's slowly took away her memory of the people she loved, she now can remember again. Love you mom and I miss you. Julie"

Rebecca Chamberlain wrote on May 23, 2011:

"The last time I saw Grandma Pat was in 2005. My daughter (Ashlie), my mother (Julie), Pat and I (Becky) made her grandson's graduation cake (Kevin, whom is my brother). That was the last time the four generations of us were together. I knew then that it was an important moment for all of us. I was unable to attend the funeral for reasons beyond my control, but I would like everyone to know that my prayers have always been with you and will continue in days to come. Mom, Dana, Susan, Janet, Jerry, Bernard and everyone else, I love you and pray for your comfort in such a difficult time."

Shery White wrote on May 18, 2011:

"When Phyllis ( my mother who also has alzheimers), was told about her sister "Patsy" passing away, she remembered who "Patsy" was, and cried. I know that in many ways, Pat was a source of calm and strength to her in growing up, and when raising children. Sometimes they didn't see eye to eye, but there was always a bond... I remember Pat being a very accepting and loving Aunt. I wish we could have had a chance to become better acquainted. She was a blessing to our family when the kids were little. Her unselfish love helped our kids to actually have Christmas's when we couldn't afford any. God Bless you cousin's and friends of the family... "

Martha Armstrong wrote on May 17, 2011:

"Pat and I knew each other from the time we were born just a month apart in 1932. She was the longest-time friend I have ever had in these 78 years. We shared our thoughts, played together, were back and forth between our homes, we had the friendship of a lifetime. I miss her already from the bottom of my heart. I knew both her husbands, I knew all of her children; we visited back and forth as she visited in Alliance; she would bring Jerry, Janet and Julie to our farm near Hemingford and they would ride ponies with out boys Roger and Doug. She had one of the most wonderful "blended" families I have ever seen; they were all brother and sisters together. I love Pat very much, as I will continue to love her family. She is a part of me forever."

Tom Hischke wrote on May 15, 2011:

"Pat was a kind,sensitive,caring woman.A wonderful mother, wife, and grandmother. My memories include working crosswords with her, concerts at Silver Springs and evenings on lawn chairs in the driveway solving the worlds problems. Her greatest quality was that she was a Christian woman. I am sure she is in Gods loving arms and will enjoy the rest of eternity in paradise. "

Jo Letlebo wrote on May 15, 2011:

"Pat was my maid of honor when I got married and we were close as cousins.She moved to Madison from Nebraska and we saw each other often. My mother was a sister to her mother and also had alzheimer's. What an insidieous disease."

Kenneth wrote on May 14, 2011:

"You will be missed, I wish I could of had been involved more in your life but unfortunately, distance has been a cruel factor. Life is a nothing more than a vapor in the wind, and with that, enjoy the heavens. Until we meet again ... "

Dana Sue Hischke wrote on May 14, 2011:

"This is SO hard. I miss my mom. She has been slowly taken away from me over the years by Alzheimer's. But knowing I will never be able to hold her hand again just hurts so much. After my dad died in January, 2005, Mom moved back to WI since she needed 24-hour care even then. I am fortunate that I had so much time together and that we had a wonderful relationship. Still I am very sad that she is gone. Love you MOM! "