Mary Anne Taylor

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mary Anne Taylor on May 2, 2026, at the age of 74.

A lifelong Rochesterian, Mary Anne was born on April 18, 1952 and raised in the 10th Ward. She was a proud graduate of Sacred Heart School and attended John Marshall High School. In 1997, she earned her Bachelor’s Degree from SUNY Brockport, an achievement that remained a point of immense pride for her and her family. Mary Anne dedicated her life to the joy of children, serving in various capacities from Montessori and Faith Formation to Catholic School teaching.

On June 30, 1984, she married the love of her life, Don, at Sacred Heart Cathedral. Together, they built a life defined by her "servant’s heart." Whether she was "clowning around" as Elle Fant alongside her son Michael or soaking up summer days on the shores of Lake Ontario, Mary Anne lived to bring smiles to others. She was known for her kind, humorous personality and her legendary, thoughtful gift-giving.

Mary Anne’s flair for fun extended to her decor; she had a famous affinity for elephants and flamingos, which brightened her home, her seasonal camper, and every vacation rental in between. She was the heart of the holidays, where she shared her special stuffing, her Jell-O mould (which she cheekily noted "men like that"), and her favorite shows and films, from It’s a Wonderful Life and A Christmas Story to Planes, Trains and Automobiles and every Hallmark movie.

Above all, Mary Anne loved her family deeply and told them so often. She especially treasured her role as Grandma, ensuring her grandsons always knew just how much they were loved. She will be remembered for her boundless heart that she shared with everyone. If you knew Mary Anne, you knew you were loved. She will be missed dearly.

She is survived by her loving husband of 41 years, Don Taylor; her children, Michael (Stefanie Bradley) Taylor, Paul (Kimberly) Taylor, Lisa (Tony) Gill, and Patrick O'Donovan; grandchildren, Phillip, Patrick, Connor, Griffin, Liam, Benjamin, and Seth; nieces, Maureen (Richard) Dorman, Diedre Zeitvogel, Amy Pinaud; nephew, Daniel Allen; her lifetime friend, Elizabeth Krimow; and many great nieces and nephews.

Mary Anne was predeceased by her parents, Edward ‘Bud’ and Mary Heil; grandchildren, Brandon and Daniel; and siblings, Mark McNally, Colleen Allen, Kathleen Shacket; and her sister in law, Elizabeth Taylor. 

Family will receive friends on Monday, May 11, from 10AM to 12PM, with a service to follow at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 2636 Ridgeway Avenue. Interment will be privately held. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pet Adoption Network (PAN) 1963 E. Main St, Rochester, NY 14609 or Camp Koinonia, Inc. P.O. Box 92382, Rochester, NY 14692, or a charity of your choosing.