Obituary of Sally Taylor

WESTFIELD - Ruth Sally Jane Taylor, known to all as Sally, age 67, of North Gale Street, Westfield died Tuesday, January 13, 2009 at St. Vincent Health Center, Erie, PA, following a courageous battle with cancer. Sally was born on June 11, 1941 in Baltimore, MD, a daughter of Leila (Lloyd) Taylor of Westfield and the late William E. Taylor. A Westfield resident most all her life, Sally attended Westfield's local elementary, middle and high schools. As a child, she was social with her peers and known to her parents as a "good kid." Her love for animals was apparent from adolescence. She embraced her pets, including her childhood dog "Taxi," her horse "Pam," and her dog she brought back from New York City, "Saka." She shared her childhood with her sisters and parents to whom she was always loving and very loyal. Sally was giving to her family and friends. She made special occasions beautifully festive and joyful. She could create the best homey and cozy feeling and would do anything to make one feel comfortable in her home. As teacher of Sherman Elementary, Sally impacted the lives of the children she taught. She was a kindergarten/first grade teacher for 28 years. Her school room was ornamented with educational crafts. Her students were entertained with original and unique school supplies personally handcrafted by Miss Taylor. Sally was sensitive and accommodating to all of her students. She was non-judgmental and gave each of her diverse students the necessary attention required to learn. Sally was animated, intuitive and had the skill to create a studious atmosphere appropriate for her students. Sally fought her ovarian cancer since fall, 2006 with grace. She came to cherish the remaining time she had with others, her mother especially. She enjoyed the relationships she created as she bonded with her doctors and the nursing staff. Her home was the one that everyone "liked best" to come to because of the positive and joyful attitude Sally had. Through trust, respect, and hope, Sally faced her cancer to the end. Besides her mother Leila, with whom she made her home, Sally is survived by her two nieces Laurel (Russell) L. Leigey-Barker of Westfield, and Diana S. Wolfe, MD of Montclair, NJ; and her nephew, David (Molly Atrz) Wolfe of Los Angeles, CA, as well as her grand niece, Megan M. Barker of Westfield, NY. She was preceded in death by her father, William E. Taylor, and her two sisters, Constance "Connie" E. Wolfe and Shirley M. Leigey. Friends may call on Saturday from 12 noon until 1 PM at the MASON Funeral Home, 37 Clinton Street, Westfield, NY. The funeral and burial will private in Westfield Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Gynecological Oncology Services, Elm & Carlton Streets, Buffalo, New York 14263 or by visiting their website at www.roswellpark.org/Site/Giving/Donate_To_Cancer_Research_Care. Logon to www.masonfuneral.com to send a message of sympathy or to sign a guest page.