Patricia Taylor
Patricia M. “Pat” Taylor, 95, of Watford City, N.D., passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2022, at the Good Shepherd Home. Pat was born in Bemidji, Minn., on Sept. 27, 1926, to George and Mary Lynch Knight. After graduating from Bemidji High School, Pat attended Bemidji State Teachers College where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. Her early teaching career brought her to Grand Forks, N.D., where she met James Taylor, who was attending law school. After their marriage in Grand Forks they moved to Watford City where they established their home. Pat gave birth to two boys, Tim in 1955, and Kent in 1956. She faithfully followed and supported her boys in their activities, both school and non-school related. She later became an equally ardent follower of her grandchildren in their activities, including sports, music and drama. She participated in clubs and organizations, including the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, Toastmistress, the Eagles Auxiliary, and the McKenzie County Hospital Auxiliary.
Pat was an active participant at the Epiphany Catholic Church where she served as the organist and pianist for music liturgy for over 40 years. She also taught religious education classes and was a member of the Altar Society. Her Catholic faith was very important to her.
Pat loved music and was always eager to share that passion with her family and friends. She taught piano lessons to many students and led the membership effort in McKenzie County for the Williston Concert Series.
Pat continued her elementary teaching career in 1968. She taught third grade at the Watford City Elementary School until her retirement in 1996. She loved the rewards and challenges of teaching, and she cherished the relationships she built with her fellow teachers. After her retirement in 1996, Pat continued an active lifestyle, volunteering many hours in service to local organizations, including the Good Shepherd Home, the Epiphany Catholic Church and local activities including Art in the Park.
Pat is survived by her loving family: sons, Tim (Teri); Kent (Kathy); her grandchildren, Nick, Luke (Courtney) and their children, Jett, Piper, and Ella; Kelli (Brett) Youngquist and their children, Lux and Jaxon; Adam (Kendra) and their children, Lennin, Vale and Penny; and Brandon; and her niece, Sherry Wallace (Conrad). She was preceded in death by her parents and her two brothers.
Her family graciously acknowledges all of her caregivers over the last 13 years.
Memorials may be directed to the Good Shepherd Home Chapel Fund, the Epiphany Catholic Church or to a favorite charity.
A Rosary and Family Service was held at the Epiphany Catholic Church on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022, at 6 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Monday, Feb. 21, 2022, at 11 a.m. at the Epiphany Catholic Church, after which a luncheon was served. Interment followed the luncheon at Schafer Cemetery. The Mass of Christian Burial was live-streamed. Please see www.fulkersons.com for details.
Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home of Watford City assisted the family. Condolences may be left on the funeral home website at www.fulkersons.com.