Helen Margaret Taylor, who celebrated her 90th birthday on August 12, 2026, passed into the loving arms of her Lord on Wednesday, August 26, 2026. She was pre-deceased by her loving husband of 62 years, Robert R. Taylor, her parents Anselm P. and Edith K. Wagner, and her brother Douglas P. Wagner. She is survived by her five children, Karen Taylor (Robert Velzis), Richard Taylor (Jackie), BarbaraJean Ligi (Alan), Patricia Bennett (James), and Joanne Rathbone (Brett), 13 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, her sister Linda Wagner, Jacksonville, Florida, and a very special sister-in-law Jackie Taylor, Sarasota, Florida along with many cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family.
Helen graduated from Binghamton Central High School in 1955. She held a variety of jobs, first as a receptionist at WNBF-TV where she met the love of her life – Bob Taylor (Pookie) who she married in June 1956. She worked as an orderly for Binghamton General Hospital, an operator for the Bell Telephone Company in Binghamton, school bus driver for Maine-Endwell School and Johnson City School Districts. She attended a program at I.B.M. to learn skills to become a secretary leading to a position at I.B.M. She returned to driving bus after an early retirement from IBM, retiring at the age of 77 from Johnson City School District.
In 1963, Helen and her beloved husband, Bob, put down roots in the Town of Maine, building with their own hands the home where she lived for over six decades. That house became far more than brick and wood; it was the heartbeat of the family - a place filled with laughter, home- cooked meals, and an open door for anyone who stopped by. Together, she and Bob raised five children, instilling in them the values of hard work, kindness, and devotion to family.
Helen was a woman of grace and dignity, whose devotion and love for her immediate family was beyond measure. She was an extraordinary mother in every way. She extended that same love to her friends, colleagues, and parish family.
Helen, the Queen of Hugs, always asking “Do you need a hug?” before giving the very best one. No one left her home before getting a hug, and after being wrapped in her love and warmth, you carried that feeling with you. Her style and sense of fashion remained evident throughout her life; she was always beautifully put together.
Helen’s faith was deep and profound. It carried her through the difficult times. She was a devoted member, a pillar of Most Holy Rosary Church in Maine, NY. Her service to the church included teaching religious education, involvement in the annual Oktoberfest including making pies for the bake sale, selling raffle tickets, working the serving line, and serving beer at the beer tent.
Helen also offered her talents for many years with Altar Care and her selfless spirit carried through the times she provided for “The Hands and Hearts of Mary” to sew 100’s of “pillowcase dresses” for needy children throughout the world.
Helen was a natural born nurse, not only to her 5 children, but also acting as primary caregiver to her mother-in-law and her mother until they passed. She opened her home to everyone and when relatives and friends were going through challenging times, she made space for all.
Helen was also an exceptional organizer, an impeccable housekeeper, and a gifted cook, baker, tailor, knitter, and crocheter and organist. She loved her music from the 50’s, Buddy Holly, The Beach Boys, and later John Denver and Michael Bublé. She had a large heart that loved everything miniature, cherishing little treasures, but had a heart that was anything but small. For Helen, everything had its place—and everything was always in it. She created countless sewn, knitted, and crocheted pieces for her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, friends, and church events. To fill her days, she returned to painting through paint-by-number pieces that became true works of art. Her humor was infectious; she loved playing practical jokes and
enjoyed being on the receiving end just as much. She had many “Helenisms,” most notably was
how she would get through a particular moment. She would get fru-it (through it).
Helen will be deeply missed by her family, friends, neighbors, and parish family. She is free from pain, no longer tired and weary, and walking beside her beloved Pookie. Until we meet her again, may her love remain with us like a gentle light — steady, warm, and everlasting.
The family will receive friends at the Leon Pucedo Funeral Home, Inc., 1905 Watson Blvd., Endicott, New York on Tuesday, September 8th from 6 to 8 p.m. and a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Most Holy Rosary Church, 2595 Main Street, Maine, New York on Wednesday, September 9th at 10 am with a private burial following.
The family would like to thank the wonderful team of Nurses and Doctors on North Tower 6th floor of UHS Wilson Medical Center in Johnson City, New York for the gracious care given to our mother in her final days. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in Helen’s name to Mercy House of the Southern Tier, 212 McKinley Avenue, Endicott, New York 13760.