Our Obituaries

Stella Taylor, age 95, of Port Jervis, NY, passed away Monday, June 22, 2009 at her home.She was born on February 24, 1914 in Monesson, PA, the daughter of the late John and Mary Sagan.Her first paid employment was in a radio tube manufacturing plant in Clifton, NJ. After several months there, she left for a job with Wesson Biscuit Co. in Clifton, NJ where, at age 18, she was promoted to a floor supervisor position, directing 75 women. She remained at Wesson for 10 years.On August 8, 1936 in Clifton, she married Erie Railroader Douglas W. Taylor, who has predeceased her. In 1940, Stella and Doug moved from Clifton, NJ to Port Jervis, NY, where she has been a resident ever since. In Port Jervis, she worked at Novelty Slipper Co. as a sewing machine operator for 29 years. Stella was an active member of many organizations: the Drew United Methodist Church, Port Jervis, the United Methodist Women; Member and Past Matron of the River Valley Chapter #33, O.E.S, Port Jervis; member of the Order of the Amaranth Laurel Court #58, Port Jervis; The National AARP; Port Jervis Senior Citizens; the Port Jervis Garden Club; the Audubon Society, and Meals on Wheels Organization, Port Jervis. In recognition of her community involvement, the City of Port Jervis in 1981 declared a Stella Taylor Day in her honor. Stella was Orange County Senior Citizen of the Year in 1984 and in 1987 the AARP Chapter gave her official recognition.A family statement reads: "She was known for giving of herself to family, friends and her community throughout her entire life. She was a "doer" living as best she could by the motto, "never put off 'til tomorrow what you can do today". In her younger years, Stella was an avid and excellent roller skater. As she matured and into later life, she enjoyed dancing, bird watching, fishing and flower gardening."Stella is survived by her son, Douglas W. Taylor, Jr. and his fiancé, Claudia Capos of Brighton, MI; her sister, Anna Hamm of Dresher, PA; two nieces, Judith Davis and Linda Harrier; and two nephews, John and Scott Sagan. She was predeceased by her brother, John Sagan.Friends may call Thursday, June 25, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis. Eastern Star services will be held Thursday evening at 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home.Funeral Services will be held Friday, June 26, at 11 a.m. at the Drew United Methodist Church, Sussex St., Port Jervis, with Rev. Robert Cassidy officiating. Interment will take place at Pine Grove Cemetery, Matamoras, PA.Memorial donations may be made to the Drew United Methodist Church, PO Box 1015, Port Jervis, NY 12771 or to the Macular Degeneration Research Program, 22512 Gateway Center Drive, Clarksburg, MD 20871.Arrangements by Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home; 845-856-3312. For information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family, visit www.knight-auchmoody.com.