October 3, 1937 – December 21, 2022

Taylor, Johanna Marie (Jo/Josie) was born to William and Johanna Avery (nee Barry) on October 3, 1937. Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church on Wednesday, December 21, 2022. Dear mother of Catherine Bixler (Dave), Therese Fredrick and Erich Fredrick; dear stepmother of Ann Seabaugh (Bill), Janet Taylor and Buzz Taylor (Martha). Dear grandmother of Haley Fredrick and Alyson Bixler; dear step-grandmother of Kate and Taylor Seabaugh, Dan Taylor (Jenny), Andy and Lauren Taylor. Dear step-great grandmother of Charlie and Hank Taylor. Predeceased by her husband Boyd Taylor. Dear cousin and friend to many.

Mrs. Taylor grew up in St. Louis, MO and attended St. Joseph Academy high school. She graduated with the first graduating class of the new Frontenac location in 1956. She regularly attended lunches with her grade school friends from St. Luke’s, class of 1952.

Mrs. Taylor worked for New York Life Insurance Company for 32 years. She started as a clerical worker and was eventually promoted to office manager of the downtown St. Louis branch. She maintained friendships with many of her colleagues after her retirement in 1992.

She was an avid St. Louis Cardinals and Blues fan. She enjoyed treating her children and grandchildren to Cardinals baseball games- a tradition passed down by her father. She also started an annual tradition of traveling to Jupiter, Florida, to attend Cardinals spring training games with friends.

Mrs. Taylor was a devoted member of Holy Redeemer Catholic Church. She helped prepare and deliver meals for St. Patrick Center, made food for funeral meals, volunteered as a Eucharistic Minister, and helped wherever she was needed.

She was very proud of her Irish heritage on her mother’s side and did extensive genealogical research, pre-internet. As a result of her efforts, she was able to connect with several cousins in County Cork, Ireland. She subsequently traveled to Ireland to visit her cousins in person and learn even more about her Irish ancestors.

She had a deep appreciation for the arts. She was a member of the St. Louis Art and History museums, as well as the Missouri Botanical Garden. She regularly attended productions at the Muny, Fox, and Repertory theatres in St. Louis. She also enjoyed popular music and went to live concerts well into her 80’s.

Mrs. Taylor was known as an optimistic person who greeted everyone with a smile. She had a positive, youthful energy that made people feel at ease in her presence. She was very generous with her time and was a great listener. Her friends and family often turned to her for advice, encouragement, and inspiration. She was truly selfless and the undeniable matriarch of her family.

Mrs. Taylor donated her body to science, in hopes that the research would benefit medical students and the general public.

Holy Redeemer Catholic Church
17 Joy Ave
St. Louis, MO 63119

Siteman Cancer Center
MSC 1247-414-2100
7425 Forsyth Blvd
St. Louis, MO 63105
siteman.wustl.edu/tribute