Barbara Gene Taylor, 85, beloved wife of fifty years of the late Russell W. Taylor of Simsbury, died on 12/19/17 after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Barbara was born in Hartford, Connecticut, the daughter of the late Margaret (Connorton) Tanner and James Tanner. She was predeceased by her sisters, Judith Tanner Whelan and Barbara Chaffee St. Germain.

Barbara was known for her wit, generosity of spirit, and unfaltering kindness to all. Beloved by family, friends, and acquaintances, Barbara was the kind of person many of us aspire to be. She lived her principles by helping others and providing a welcoming home to her family, their friends, and her wide circle of loved ones. She was an amazing mom, mother-in-law, grandmother and great-grandmother. Family meant everything to her.

Barbara was a tireless volunteer at the Simsbury Historical Society, St. Mary's Church, and in the Simsbury community. She made and collected hats, mittens, and scarves for many years for distribution to the House of Bread and other charities.
She also hosted numerous parties, showers, and receptions for extended family and friends throughout her lifetime. She approached everything, including her initial diagnosis, with optimism and faith.

Barbara is survived by her daughter Kathy (Ed) Christianson of Newington, her son Russell (Lisa) Taylor of Mansfield, her daughter Patricia (Peter) Thompson of Westfield, MA, her son Brad (Maryann) Taylor of Simsbury, and her son James of South Windsor. She was blessed with grandchildren and their spouses and partners, Melissa Thompson and her fiancée Marybeth Mahoney of Nahant, MA, Paul Thompson and his partner Eric Schultz of Somers, Sandra Christianson of Newington, Erik (Ileana) Christianson of Pinecrest, FL, Corey Taylor of Wethersfield, Caitlin McNulty of Simsbury, Brendan McNulty of Farmington, Justin Taylor and his partner Christina Peterson of Stoneham, MA, and Kira Taylor and her partner Andres Esparza of Jackson, WY, and great-grandchildren Natalia, Cianna, and Evan Christianson. Barbara leaves behind sisters-in-law Joan Gronda and Evelyn Taylor, and their children, and cousins Janice Gilbert and Joan Prentiss and their children. She also leaves many devoted friends, especially Kay Coffey.

We, Barbara's family extend heartfelt thanks to Simsbury Visiting Nurse Association Hospice, especially Karen, Jacqui, Laura, and Alice. We are also grateful to Cherrybrook Health Care Center, especially Sierra and the wonderful nurses and CNAs for their loving care of our mom.

Friends may call at the Vincent Funeral Home, 880 Hopmeadow Street in Simsbury on Friday, December 29th from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Funeral will be Saturday, December 30th, 9:15 AM from the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial, 10:00 AM at St. Mary’s Church in Simsbury. Burial will follow in Simsbury Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Simsbury VNA Hospice, The House of Bread, or a charity of your choice. Please visit Barbara’s “Book of Memories” at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online condolences.