Obituaries/Viewings
Irene Sabina “Blondie” Taylor | 87
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Irene Sabina “Blondie” Taylor, 87, of Silver Creek Terrace, formerly of 329 Walnut Street, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, February 20, 2021.
She was born on Good Friday, April 14, 1933, in St. Marys, daughter of the late Peter P. and Irene Leona Fritz Straub. Blondie was a lifelong resident of the area and was a graduate of Central Catholic High School, class of 1950. She continued her education, graduating with high honors in 1953 from Georgetown School of Nursing. She started her nursing career at the Georgetown University Hospital, completing her BSN degree, also with high honors, in 1956. She then moved back to St. Marys.
Her career in St. Marys began when she started the Industrial Nursing program at Pure Carbon Company and then worked in several departments at Andrew Kaul Memorial Hospital. Over two decades of her nursing was with the Community Nurses, where she provided expert care in many patients’ homes and eventually took on leadership positions in the organization. She retired in 1998.
On June 13, 1964, in the Queen of the World Church, Irene married Robert L. Taylor, who preceded her in death on March 7, 2010.
She is survived by three sons, Father Paul R. Taylor O.S.B. of Latrobe, PA, Lawrence L. “Larry” Taylor and his wife Maureen of Ellicott City, MD, and Robert E. “Bert” Taylor and his wife Jennifer of Crofton, MD; seven grandchildren, James, Emily, Ryan, Zachary, Owen, Madeline and Nicholas Taylor; by one sister Joan Smith of St. Marys; by three brothers: Herbert J. Straub (Irene) of St. Marys, Victor C. Straub (Dolores) of St. Marys, John M. Straub (Sylvia) of St. Marys.
In addition to her husband and parents, Blondie was preceded in death by four sisters: Mary Grace Simbeck, Carol Williams, Elizabeth A. “Betty” Bosnik, and Mary Straub, in infancy, two brothers Peter V. Straub and Jerome P. Straub.
Blondie was an active member of the Sacred Heart Church, where she was a member of the choir, Respect Life and RCIA. In her lifetime she was a member of all three parishes and choirs, leading the Queen of the World Choir. She was on the board of directors for the Community Nurses and a member of the Nurses Study Club and Nurses Honor Guard, was a founding member of the Shade Tree Commission, and a founding member of the Book Club for over 55 years.
She loved creating a home with her family, especially her sons and grandchildren. She loved spending time at Bear Run, whether it was for a family party, a quick swim, a beer on the patio or a family workday. She looked forward to attending events at Saint Vincent. She enjoyed travel with family and good friends. She made attending daily Mass a priority.
When Larry and Bert asked her how to have a family and home as good as ours, Irene said with confidence that there were three priorities: “Love them. Feed them. And want them around.”
Due to COVID-19 restrictions the family will hold a private visitation at the Funeral Home.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated in the Sacred Heart Church on Wednesday, February 24, 2021, at noon, with Father Paul R. Taylor, O.S.B., her son, presiding. The Mass will also be livestreamed, please use the link below to access the Mass for Blondie:
https://stvincent-edu.zoom.us/j/93665340952
The family will have a Mass and Celebration of Life later this year, when we can all gather together safely.
Memorials, if desired, may be made to the Irene S. Taylor Scholarship Fund, Saint Vincent College, 300 Fraser Purchase Road, Latrobe, PA 15650 or to one’s charity of choice.
Events
Blondie’s family,
Our deepest sympathy is extended to the family.
Sincerely,
Bev and Jerry Rucki
For the Taylor and Straub Families,
You have our deepest condolences on the loss of Blondie.
She was well liked by many people and will surely be missed.
May she rest in peace.
With sympathy,
Kay and Dave Gnan
To the Taylor’s,
So sorry for the loss of your Mother. Blondie was a great lady. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. With Deepest Sympathy, Dean, Mary & Ryan Hanes
Dear Father Paul and family,
Our deepest condolences to you on the loss of your mother. She was certainly an exceptional woman and obviously a tremendous inspiration in love and devotion to your entire family over many years.
Sincerely,
Barbara and Bill
Dear Taylor Family,
Especially after hearing Fr. Paul’s funeral mass eulogy, I am only sorry that I never met her, and pray to be joined with her in Heaven one day. Every time I take up the endless task of scraping the woodwork in my house, I will be reminded of her joyful witness to the beauty of caring for one’s family.
In Christ,
Michael
Sincere condolences & prayers for Blondie’s family. From a fellow nurse & friend. Will remember her cheerful smile. Unable to be part of nurse’s honor guard today but there in spirit.
Deepest sympathy to Blondie’s family. Truly respected and loved this lady. She was a role model to me and I know she is truly in awe of the presence of our Lord!
Dear Taylor and Straub Family,
We have many fond memories of Blondie and are sending our prayers and thoughts to you all.
Sincerely, Leo and Ellen Lenze
Sending my deepest thoughts and prayers out to your family during these times. Father Paul, thanks for bringing your mother to my father’s surprise birthday party. I know that was an everlasting memory for the both of us.
Fr. Paul, Larry and Bert,
My deepest sympathy on the loss of your mom.
I too remember many a time swimming with Blondie in the pool at Bear Run. I also remember when Bert turned 21 she walked to the local bar at midnight to have a shot to celebrate his turning “21” with his crew. She was so fantastic at celebrating all things…large and small.
I am going to have a granny smith with my cooper cheese and beer all week celebrating her! There is going to be one heck of a card game going on in the heavens this week!
Sending love and prayers for all of you.
Father Paul,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers will be with you and all your family.
God bless,
Suzanne
Fr. Paul, Larry and Bert,
Our sincere sympathy on the loss of your Mother. Irene was a wonderful caring neighbor to our family for many years! My Mother babysat for you kids back in the day when your Mother was working! Good times! Our thoughts and prayers are with you. What a privilege it is for all of us to have been part of Irene’s life! She will be missed…
Rest in peace, Irene…
We were blessed to be able to watch a Steeler Game and share a beer with Blondie and Fr. Paul in Rome. Could not have been a more perfect moment. We are sending love and prayers.
I am deeply saddened by Irene’s death. She was an amazing woman, and I was blessed to have known her. My deepest sympathy to her 3 sons, and to the rest of her family and friends.
Aunt Irene was the sister my mom never had…and she was a beloved Aunt to the entire Clark Family. I will never forget her rousing rendition of “Shnitzelbank” on many evenings down at Bear Run. Classic memories. Condolences to Fr. Paul, Larry, Bert, and the entire Straub and Taylor families.
Rob & Jen Clark
Dear Cousins Paul, Larry and Bert,
So sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. Aunt Blondie and I shared many lively conversations about current events on my visits home to St. Marys and my time at camp. I fondly remember her encouragement when I was younger practicing my swimming strokes at the camp pool. She and Aunt Betty kept a watchful eye on us all while enjoying Bear Run.
My husband Dave and I send our deepest sympathy to you and your families at this time of great loss.
Sincerely,
Shelly (Straub) and Dave
My deepest sympathy to Fr. Paul and the families of Lawrence and Robert. Cherished memories will last a life time. May she rest in peace in her eternal home.
Larry , Maureen and family,
We are so very sorry for the loss of your mom and grandmom. She truly sounds like an incredible woman. I have no doubt that her passion and legacy live on in your family. You are all blessed to have had the time you have had with her. May her memory always bring you warmth and love.
Our deepest condolences,
Karen and Mike
Our deepest sympathy to Fr.Paul and the families of Lawrence and Robert. May she rest in peace.
Dear Fr. Paul and family,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. I will keep her, you and your family in my thoughts and prayers during this hard time.
With love and sympathy,
Tammy Marsh
On behalf of the Dzombak Family, I send our her heartfelt sympathy to Father Paul and the entire Taylor Family. Mrs. Taylor and her beautiful family are in our prayers.
The Dzombak Family
I’m very sorry for your loss Fr. Paul. My sympathies to you and your family. Your mother lived an amazing life that will continue on in her eternal life with our Lord and savior.
Love and my deepest sympathy to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Shirley
Fr. Paul and Family – your mom sounds like she was inspirational and exceptional in every way. Sending our deepest sympathies to all in the family. Reading her obituary was a celebration of her amazing life. Keeping you in our prayers.
The Skoloda Family
Your mother had to be special to turn out a son like Father Paul who leads St. Vincent in an inspirational and spiritual manner.
Deepest sympathy,
The Hughes family
Deepest sympathies to Fr. Paul and the rest of the family at this difficult time, from the membership of the Presidents’ Athletic Conference. All of you are in our thoughts & prayers as you gather to grieve and remember this great lady.
Wishing you & your family love and comfort as you celebrate your mother’s life. May she rest in peace.
To Fr. Paul, Larry, and Bert and to all of Blondie’s relatives and friends, you have my sincerest sympathy, and I will offer Mass for the repose of her soul. She will be missed. May she rest in peace.
To Father Paul and the Taylor family and all those who knew Mrs. Taylor: please accept my heartfelt condolences for your loss of someone who was obviously an amazing person. Her presence here has touched many in such a positive way and she will live on in the hearts of many. I only know Father Paul and he is an amazing person and I am sure he became the man he is because of the home created in part by his mother. May she find everlasting peace in the warm embrace of God’s love.
Kathleen Riddell – mother of SVC student DJ Riddell, Class of 2023
Deeply sorry about your loss, Fr. Paul. I’ve never lost a parent so I can’t imagine what you must be going through but know that you’re in my prayers. Just know that your mother is with God now and Our Lord will give you the strength to get through this difficult time.
Best,
Thomas
Larry, Bert, and Fr. Paul,
Blondie was quite a lady. Deepest Sympathy and Condolences to you and your entire family. Wendy (Gahr) Noll
To the Taylor family, I am so deeply sorry for your loss. As a student of Saint Vincent College I want to send my deepest condolences to Father Paul and family. “Blondie” has inspired many by her love for the community and helping others. She is and will be extremely proud to have such an amazing family and she will watch over you every day, keeping you safe and close to her. May God be with you all and help you all find peace in these tough times.
-Caileigh Bolin Saint Vincent class of 2023
Condolences for your loss, Fr. Paul.
Deepest sympathy to the entire Taylor families. May the many shared memories provide comfort to all.