Obituary of Elizabeth Taylor

Elizabeth “Betty” Taylor (nee Shail) February 5, 1943 – September 7, 2024

Betty passed away peacefully surrounded by family on September 7, 2024 in Markham, Ontario. Born in Almonte, she was raised on a dairy farm in Carleton Place. Betty graduated from Carleton Place High School and Ottawa Teachers’ College.

Betty is survived by her beloved husband of 58 years Ted Taylor, her daughters Cheryl Taylor  (Russell Newall), Lynn Pyke (Kym), Cathy Collins (former son-in-law Brian), Lori Hernandez (Jason), grandchildren; Ben & Connor Newall, Jayden & Tayla Pyke, Ava & Sophie Hernandez and Logan Collins, sisters; Carol McGregor and Faye Shail, sister-in-law Barbara Lewis and many nieces and nephews. Betty is predeceased by her parents, Victor & Mary Shail, her father and mother-in-law Alfred & Madeline Taylor, and their son Craig Taylor her sister Joyce Ireland, sister-in-law Joan Melancon and brothers-in-law Rene Melancon & Daryl Lewis.

Betty initially taught elementary school in Ottawa, later becoming a loving homemaker raising and supporting her four daughters. Early on, Ted’s career saw the family re-locating frequently including Ottawa, Jamaica, Pickering, and Calgary until they settled permanently in Markham, Ontario in 1980.

Once her children were older, Betty returned to teaching in local public schools, E.T. Crowle & William Armstrong, ultimately finding her passion as a school librarian. Betty cared deeply for her students, offering enriching programs to encourage young readers and welcome families. After more than a decade of supporting and cheering on her daughters in multiple sports all over North America, Betty became a wonderful elementary school basketball coach.

Betty and Ted were avid travelers, starting with annual family driving trips to Florida and later visiting their daughters in Australia and Ireland. In retirement, they traveled to Europe, Russia and Asia. Ted and Betty enjoyed escaping the Canadian winters to their home in Florida, in the welcoming community of Lake Ashton.

Betty made wonderful lifelong friends throughout her life and travels. A natural athlete, Betty played basketball, softball and tennis. She was kind and generous, always taking care of others with a gift, a meal, baked goods or a loving visit. Betty loved music, dancing, crafts, international cuisine and she had an amazing sense of humour, always ready with a funny joke. Family was most important to Betty as a dedicated wife, mother and proud and loving “Nana” to her seven grandchildren.

Visitations will be held on Friday September 13 th from 2 to 4 pm and 6:30 to 9 pm at Dixon Garland Funeral Home in Markham. A funeral service will be held Saturday September 14 th at 1pm at St Philip’s On-the-Hill in Unionville, with a reception to immediately follow. The family is grateful for the care and support Betty received from her doctors, nurses & support team at Markham Stouffville Hospital. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Canadian National Institute for the Blind or a charity of your choice.