In Memory

Dr. Carolyn Taylor (Principal)

Carolyn L. Taylor, age 66, dies on Tuesday, January 29, 2002, after a 6.5 year battle with ovarian cancer. She was born on January 21, 1936, in Columbus, Mississippi, moved to Madison in 1966 and to Cross Plains in 1988. Although Madison was her physical and emotional home for the past 36 years, Carolyn was born, reared and completed her college education in the South, and continued to value her southern heritage. She was a graduate of Mississippi State College for Women, with a M.A. from Truland University in English. Her Ph.D. was from University of Wisconsin-Madison in education administration. Lists of honors, organizations and volunteer service never much impressed Carolyn and would be inappropriate here. She would prefer to be remembered as a 30-year educator who deeply cared about young people and worked hard to provide them with the best possible education opportunities and encouragement. She also supported and encouraged parents in dealing with the teenage years because she truly liked and respected teenagers as individuals. From 1975 until 1982 she was an assistant principal at La Follette High School, where she enjoyed a special relationship with her class of 1981, whom she shepherded for its entire four years. From 1982-1998 she was Principal at Madison Memorial High School, where she sought to lead the school to meet the changing challenges of the 1980’s and 1990’s, and recognize the needs and abilities of all students. She contributed in many ways to the efforts of the Madison School District through workshops, initiatives and conferences and was especially enthusiastic of the encouragement of women and men to enter school administration. An inveterate traveler, she was also a loved or modern art, classical music, literature and foreign films. She was a gardener and a nurturer of enduring friendships-some going back to childhood. She was an active member of First Baptist Church since moving to Madison in 1966 and a strong supporter of Tempo. Carolyn is survived by her childhood sweetheart and husband for nearly 45 years, James Welch Taylor; a brother David L. Love (Marie) of Raymond, Mississippi, a paternal aunt, Lizzie I. Love of Meridian, Mississippi; two daughters, Lisa Taylor (Gus Lowell) of Sunnyvale, California, and Laurie Taylor Ray (Harry Max) of Palo Alto, California; and two grandsons, Austin and Caldwell Lowell. She was preceded in death by her parents Margaret Lowell Love and David Leo Love of Jackson, Mississippi. The family wishes to express special appreciation to Dr. Julian C, Schink and the staff at University of Wisconsin Comprehensive Cancer Center for their outstanding care and support, which enabled Carolyn to have more years and quality of life than anticipated at first diagnosis. They are also grateful for the kind support provided by Hospice care Inc.

Calling hours will be 4pm-8pm on Thursday January 31, 20002 at Cress Funeral Home 3610 Speedway road, Madison followed by cremation by Cress. Memorial service will be at 430 pm on Friday February 1, 2002, at First Baptist Church 5189 Franklin Ave. (near the veterans hospital in University Ave.) Following the memorial service the family invites all Carolyn’s friends to attend a reception from 6pm-8pm in the atrium at the Marriott west, 1313 john Q. Hammonds Dr. Middleton, WI., in lieu of flowers Carolyn would appreciate memorial made to the Taylor scholarship Fund at Madison Memorial High School and/or the University of Wisconsin Comprehensive Cancer Center.
from WSJ obituary



 
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03/26/14 06:52 AM #1    

Debby (Christen) Loftsgordon

I miss having lunch with her in the Principal Office.
Cherished friend and mentor...Great advice and She "Never Give Up" on me or my former Classmates Class of 1990. Go Memorial!

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