MD Taylor Ruth S.

Dear Taylor cousins – I am sorry for your loss, and sad that I was not able to come down for her services. I had planned to do so, but late minute change in closing plans by my principal client on a financing project that I have been working on for 3 months got in the way. While I had hoped to honor your mother’s life by coming, I also had wanted to reconnect with you, some of whom (notably Mary Ruth) I have not seen for perhaps 40 years. We will have to find another time. I spoke to your mother this fall while my dad was ill. While cheerful (as always), she told me then that she was not doing well herself, but asked me not to tell my dad lest it impact his prospects for recovery. Quite the big sister! I know that they spoke often after my mother died, and I know that their discussions always cheered him up. Although it seems as though I did not spent much time with Aunt Ruth, I have fond memories of the times that I did. I remember well one of the last times (if not the last) that I visited your home when all of you were young (I think I was all of 22). She had the lot of you put on a violin concerto for me. I can still see you all lined up against the wall in what I think was the dining room. I did not realize it then, but after raising 6 of my own came to understand that she and Uncle Richard must have been saints to have been willing to provide all those lessons and to have been able to bear up to all the practices. I recall that some of you became quite accomplished, so they also much have had great forsight. My favorite memory of both Aunt Ruth and Uncle Richard is from before any of you(except perhaps Jim and Mary Ruth) were born. Uncle Richard’s father had a cabin on Chesapeake Bay, and in 1953 or so Uncle Richard and Aunt Ruth invited us out. We drove, and picked up Sean on the way. I was only 7 or 8 at the time, but still remember it. The cabin had a loft that all of the kids slept in. The best part of the stay was the beach expeditions that Uncle Richard and Aunt Ruth took us on. They led us on searches for shells and sharks teeth (surreptitiously planting them in the sand before hand for us to find.) I still have the two that I ‘discovered’ on the beach, which I show to my grandchildren when they come over. Both of your parents were great people, and the world will be a lesser place without them. Let’s try to stay in touch. Carl Struby

I would like to express my sympathy to the Taylor family. She was so proud of each and everyone of you. I will miss her very much, she was my mentor, my educator and most of all, my very dear friend.

Dear Taylor Family, What a treasured woman Dr. Ruth was to me! Growing up next door to the Taylor family in Forest Hills was a joy; and a life altering experience! I remember writing a paper as a young child entitled: The Living Saint, next Door. It was the story of Ruth, her husband, and their growing family. I wish I had a copy to share with you. As a young mother, my husband and I adopted two boys and then went on to have a biological daughter. The example set by this remarkable woman, allowed for no hesistation in my consideration of adoption. I have such vivid memories of her kindness, gentleness; and genuine caring. You no doubt have many wonderful memories of her as well to sustain you through this difficult time. Hold fast to those memories, as they are a permanent part of you and will always be there for you to enjoy. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Fondly, Joanne L. ‘Jinx’ Saggau Moore