Helen Elizabeth Wilson Taylor

Helen Elizabeth Wilson Taylor, 70, died January 9, 2006, of a short, sharp series of illnesses. She was at home with her family. She said, Death was not what she expected. Her daughter suggested that was just the dying. Every morning she read the obituaries. If you catch this, Helen, perhaps you can let us know about Death.

Born January 28, 1935, in Salt Lake City and grew up on a dairy farm in the beautiful, little mountain farming town of Midway, Utah, amongst a large extended family of several generations.

Throughout her life, Helen was strong and independent to the point of stubbornness. Her acute sense of order served her well as she navigated most of her adult life as a single woman. She remained open hearted and unfailingly generous, open minded and experimental.

Much of Helen’s life was dedicated to education, both formal and informal. She attended Wasatch High School. After graduating from Utah State University, Helen spent her 30 years in education as a teacher, guidance counselor, and career counselor. Students found her a patient teacher and guide. Colleagues found her the engine to finish projects and hold people together. Among the schools where Helen worked were: Summit JHS, Granger HS, Kennedy JHS, Cyprus HS, and Olympus HS. She also taught in Quesnel, British Columbia. She even spent some of her early working years as a Girl Scout counselor in Utah, Oregon, and Minnesota.

After an early retirement, Helen set out to have fun. With her daughter and family, she traveled often to England and to their home in Buffalo, New York, where she influenced another circle of friends. Back home in Salt Lake City, she was a past President of the Ladies Literary Club, where she also held most other leadership positions and spent many hours in social activities. As a person of service to others, Helen worked with hospitals, aging services, education, and so many other organizations that it is doubtful even her closest friends and family together could name them. She didn’t tell us all she did for others.

When people gathered, Helen arrived first and stayed last. She offered encouragement to all and made everyone feel special. Helen leaves behind many good and loving friends with whom she spent hours and days telling stories, talking about books, playing bridge, and listening to all who needed to be heard. Helen Taylor was a true friend.

Lest she appear terribly serious in her devotion to others, please remember her acerbic humor and her playfulness that could be quite childlike. Helen made people laugh and feel comfortable, and she laughed herself right up to the difficult end.

Survived by daughter Lori Taylor, son-in-law Marc Pehkonen, and two adored grandchildren Eliza Bliss Taylor Pehkonen and Jack Wilson Taylor Pehkonen (South Jordan, UT); sister Ruth Wilson Adams and 11 of her children (SLC, UT); brother Paul Wilson and 3 of his children (Wallsburg, UT); sister-in-law Kirsten Wilson and her 2 children (Fair Oaks, CA); sister-in-law Sharleene Wilson and her 4 children (Midway, UT). Also, her husband’s close brothers and sisters, Ray & Marcia Taylor’s 4 children (UT); Lillie Nielson and her 3 children (SLC, UT); Ken & Lena Taylor and their 3 children (St. George, UT); Frank Taylor’s 6 children (UT); Virginia & Wayne Nay’s 4 children; Ruth & Ralph Hansen & 5 of their children (SLC, UT); Richard & Gayle Taylor and their 4 children (South Jordan, UT); and Murray & Colleen Taylor and their 5 children (St. George, UT).

Not all family are related by blood. Helen as a single mother of an only child gathered many close friends who filled her life with love and adventure. She asked to remember Ruth & Phil Novak (SLC, UT), Kay Fassio and her 3 children (SLC, UT), Karma Smith and her 6 children (West Valley City, UT), Bernice & Brian Maxwell and their 4 children (Tucson, AZ); Thad & Maria Baldwin and their sons Corbin and Adrien, her adopted grandchildren (Murray, UT), and Elis & Pam Pehkonen (Suffolk, England).

Preceded in death by her parents Reese Arthur and Eva Huber Wilson, husband Jack Lloyd Taylor, brothers Harold, Alan, and David Wilson, aunts Marguerite and Matilda Huber, many many friends, and at least two devoted dogs.

Funeral services held on Saturday, January 14, 2006, 11 a.m. at Ladies Literary Club of Salt Lake City, 850 E. South Temple. Helen’s numerous friends, family, and colleagues may visit one hour before services at the Ladies Literary Club or Friday evening, 6-8 p.m. at Jenkins-Soffe, 4760 S. State Street in Murray. Interment at Valley View Memorial Park next to her husband Jack Taylor.

In lieu of flowers, friends and family are welcome to donate to the Hugh O’Brian Education Program of the Ladies Literary Club, the American Heart Association, or the American Cancer Association.