Marjorie Taylor

MARJORIE TAYLOR Marjorie Taylor,also known as Maggie died unexpectedly of a stroke at Trenton,N.J.She was in excellent health prior to this,in fact she was windsurfing just two weeks ago before this tragedy happened. Born at Oceanside Long Island December 26th 1935 she, was the daughter of John and Angie Merrill the youngest of seven children,graduating from New Paltz State University Newburgh N.Y. She taught 4th grade in Long Island for several years. She always had a zest for travel so she applied at the State Department and became an overseas teacher for Armed Forces children in Newfoundland,France and England.Following her return to this country she became upset about discrimination she found in Long Island schools.She resigned her teaching position and was promised a school position in Long Island if she returned. She left and became a Civil Rights worker in Mississippi in 1964 for a full year. This was a very dangerous mission but in spite of this she remained and helped negroes register to vote. She was there when several of the churches she attended were burned to the ground. On return from Mississippi she became concerned about children with autism, attended BU, and received her doctorate in education.She became director of the League School in Boston which was a school that cared for autistic children. She was previously married to Richard Smith who founded Spurwink ,a program to care for troubled and autistic children. Together they developed a wonderful program to help children in need. .She directed and developed several of the teaching programs .The big change in her life began when she developed a passion for windsurfing .She would go on leave from school just to get out on the water in Florida and feel that freedom to go with the wind.Those that don't know it, they just need to know the freedom and escape it holds for Maggie and her husband Bill Taylor. Following her divorce she met her present husband at a Back Cove Portland Maine sailing party.They have had an idyllic marriage,were involved in many windsurf races winning a large number of national races including Canada. Together they worked in three Indian Reservations,and then volunteered in the Dominican Republic several times With the University of Maine Nursing school care for those in need. She is a member of the Unity Church and is a chaplain there. She is an ombudsman in Florida evaluating nursing homes and resolving complaints brought by residents. She is a court appointed mediator in Florida for small claims court settling claims for less then $5000. Her regulator weekly schedule was gym three times a week,Tai Chi twice a week,yoga once,mediation once a week at small claims court, ombudsman several times a month, regularity the swimming pool almost daily in Florida. She was an arvid reader, was a wonderful cook and preferred to eat her tempting recipes with her husband rather than eat out. Her most recent interest is the piano keyboard and was taking lessons weekly. Anyone who knows her loves and appreciates her wonderful caring,positive, attitude and zest for life. She will be sorely missed by all.She was true example for goodness, being open just herself, looking out for others, being interested in everyone in their needs She leaves many nieces and nephews from her six brothers and sisters and leaves six "adopted" children from her marriage from her husband. A memorial service is planned in Maine and in Florida.The service in Maine will be at the Unity Church,154 River Road in Windham with the date to be announced. Our Marriage grew every way for almost 21 years but we were BEST FRIENDS Paid Obituary