Joan Marie Taylor

Joan Marie Taylor was born on March 18, 1960, to Marcia (Sankey) Taylor [1941-1980] and John L. Taylor. She joined her older brother, John F. Taylor (Dawn), and before long, the family was completed by the arrival of Patricia (Taylor) Hastings (Chris) and Mary Taylor. This family knew how to have fun together. They spent tons of time with beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, and, later, with nephews and nieces Preston, Allison, Conner and Marissa, both in Grand Rapids and at the family cottage in Silver Lake. Joan’s favorite places included Tahquamenon Falls, Seney Nature Preserve and the Big Spring by Indian Lake. She liked to camp and traveled to places like Acadia National Park and the Smoky and Blue Ridge Mountains. Hiking, birdwatching, murder mysteries and couponing all sent Joan to her happy place. The biggest event of Joan’s life was the birth of her beloved son Derek Taylor in 1989. Joan was a super mother, who refused to allow Derek to miss any opportunity because she was a single mom. She volunteered with Boy Scouts, Band, book sales and school festivals. She was a whirlwind! Derek’s musical endeavors deepened Joan’s love of music, though she never gave up her original love of the Bee Gees. Joan worked as a medical biller for Change Healthcare, where she was loved and respected by all. She took pride in her work and she had several co-workers she considered friends. Joan was diagnosed with cancer early in 2021. She fought hard for over two years, during which sister Patty was her primary caregiver. Mary, Chris, Derek, John and Dawn all made sure she was cared for and loved during this difficult time. The songbirds that flocked to her bedroom window bird feeder helped a lot too. During her convalescence Joan enjoyed putting together jigsaw puzzles, binge-watching cooking shows, and helping identify good coupons for her favorite foods and supplies. She left us around 3:30 pm on May 19, 2023. There will be a short graveside service for Joan at Rosedale Memorial Park in Walker on Tuesday, May 23 at 11 am, following which family and friends are invited to a 12:15 luncheon at Archival Brewing Co., 6266 West River Drive, NE, Belmont, MI.

Tributes

Joan Marie Taylor

March 18, 1960 - May 19, 2023