Irene Taylor

Irene Taylor, loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, died peacefully on Friday, August 21, 2009 at the age of 87 years. The daughter of Albert and Ona Briscoe, Irene was born on June 10, 1922 in Santa Anna, Texas. The family moved to the Abilene area where she graduated from Abilene High School. Irene married John Basil Taylor in Abilene on June 15, 1940. They had 11 children. Irene was loved, admired, and respected by many. She was dedicated to her family and friends. During WWII, Irene joined with other young mothers in the Abilene area whose husbands were away at war, and the "Merry Mixers" was born. These ladies were friends for life. For her many years in Abilene, Irene was a devoted member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. All eleven of her children attended the affiliated Catholic schools. She was a woman of great faith. In her later years she enjoyed traveling, exploring the world on a cruise to Alaska, a visit to Rio de Janeiro, and visiting friends and family across the U.S. She was a remarkable woman with a sincere appreciation for life. Irene had a wonderful laugh and a sweet smile. She possessed an infectious love for life. Her strength and her faith were an inspiration to all who knew her. Irene leaves a legacy of wonderful memories, treasured family celebrations, and the example of a life fully lived. She will be deeply missed. Irene was preceded in death by her husband, John Basil Taylor, a son, John Michael Taylor, a grandson Will Taylor, 2 brothers and her parents. Irene is survived by her children: Patricia McDougall (Delaware, Ohio) Paul and Kitty Taylor (Vung Tao, Vietnam) Steve Taylor (Southhaven, Mississippi) Bob Taylor and Jet Zarkadas (Santa Fe, NM) Joel and Karen Taylor (Tyler, Texas) Don and Ginny Taylor (Albuquerque, NM) Dave and Jayne Valdez (Santa Fe, NM) John and Marianne Morehead (San Antonio, Texas) David and Helen Taylor (Sacramento, CA) Mark and Darla Taylor (Austin, Texas). Irene is also survived by 32 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. The family will hold a visitation and Irene's life will be celebrated with the Rosary Tuesday evening, August 25, at 7:00 pm in the chapel at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. The funeral service will be Wednesday, August 26th, 1:30 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 837 Jeanette St. in Abilene. Burial will follow at Elmwood Memorial Park.