Obituary of Mary Catherine Taylor

My mom and I are sitting here at Bobby’s Hospice and I’m quizzing her about people’s names and dates. You see, she has a gift for this.

My mom was born in Providence, Rhode Island on January 26, 1941, to Elizabeth Killoran Cummings of Sligo, Ireland and William Cummings of Norton, NB. She was the third of six children.

My mom lived in Cranston, Rhode Island for 35 years. She met her lifelong friends, (Joanne, Margaret, Denise, and Cathy) plus many others. She worked for General Electric from 1963-1976.

She told me her father would take her home to the farm in Norton, NB from R.I most summers. She loved it! This is where she had made friendships with cousins, people in Norton, and met my dad, Bill Taylor. My parents began a long-distance relationship in 1966 and were married in R.I on July 11, 1976. My mom had one condition, my dad must take her HOME to R.I to see her family and friends at least 3 times a year, and he did!!

In 1976 my mom packed up her car and moved to West Saint John, where she lived for 43 years. She landed a job at Clark Insurance (1977-2000) where new friendships were made. She joined a few bridge clubs, (she couldn’t play but loved the social aspect) and again, made cherished friendships with the “Bridge Girls”.

In February 1978, I was born. Mary Elizabeth Taylor. I certainly lucked out having these two as my parents and I completed the Taylor trio.

In 2000, my parents retired and travelled, spending part of winter in Florida with R.I friends and summers in Norton and R.I.

I honestly thought I was the apple of her eye until 2015 when her one and only granddaughter, Kate Elizabeth Davies was born. Love at first sight so they say. Nana adored her Kate until her very last breath.

My mom talks about her family, Bill (Pat) Cummings of Fishkill, NY, Margaret Marcotte of Cranston, R.I, Ann (John) Holleran of Hingham, MA, Jim (Cheryl) of Fall River, MA, her sister-in-law Mary Cummings of Narragansett, R.I, as well as her nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. She makes sure I write about all her “special” friends from all eras of life. A special thanks to Linda and Susan for being so faithful visiting Bobby’s. She will miss you all so very much.

My mom taught me a lot of things, but kindness and generosity were her two biggest attributes. A strong and devoted woman to her faith. She overcame many hurdles in the last few years with grace and dignity.

My mom was predeceased by her parents, her brother Kevin Cummings, her brother-in-law George Marcotte, her niece Kate Cummings and her husband, my dad, Bill Taylor.

Ewan, Kate and I will miss you very much. The house is a little less bright and quieter that’s for sure. You are by far the strongest and bravest woman in my life, my warrior. You fought a really hard fight and though your story ends, your impact on all of us will never be forgotten.

• With love and a broken heart, your daughter.

I cannot put in words how much appreciation we have for all the staff at Bobby’s Hospice. Thank you for the unbelievable level of care. You treated my mother as if she was your own and we will forever hold you in our hearts.

Mary is presently resting at Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB (634-7424). Visitation will take place on Thursday, December 30, 2021, from 2:00 – 4:00 and 6:00 – 8:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Rothesay, on Friday, December 31, 2021, at 11:00 AM. Due to Covid-19 health measures placed on indoor gatherings by the Government of New Brunswick, all those 12 and older attending the service will be required to show proof of vaccination and a piece of government-issued ID or proof of medical exemption. Interment will take place in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Norton, NB in the spring. Donations in memory of Mary may be made to Bobby’s Hospice. Online condolences may be placed at www.BrenansFH.com