Ethel F. Taubert

WORCESTER - Ethel Frances (Murphy) Taubert, age 99, peacefully left this world in her sleep on May 18th, 2025, and went to join the lord and her predeceased family in heaven.

Ethel was born on December 24, 1925, in a three-decker on Pattison Street in Worcester, to John Joseph Murphy and Mary Etta (Reynolds) Murphy. She was the beloved wife of the late Richard H. “Dick” Taubert, who predeceased her in 2001.

Ethel and Dick treasured their family time across multiple homes - from their primary residences in Worcester and (later) Sterling, Massachusetts to their summer getaway in West Dennis on Cape Cod and seasonal retreat in Williston, Florida.

A devoted mother, Ethel leaves behind her children: Mark A. Taubert (wife Sharon) of Jefferson, Cynthia L. French (husband Herbert) of Boylston, Kathleen L. Rensky (husband George) of Sterling, and Frederick J. Taubert (wife Mary) of Millbury. She was predeceased by her youngest son, James C. Taubert (wife Sandra), her cherished granddaughter Kayla, and all three of her siblings: Catherine Staruk, Eileen Peterson, and John J. “Jack” Murphy.

Ethel’s legacy lives on through her seven grandchildren – Eric Taubert (wife Charlene), Michelle Myers, Kyle, Emma, Jena, Joseph, and Jessica Taubert – as well as her great-grandchildren, Matthew Beals and Ryan Myers. She also leaves many dear in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

Ethel was a proud graduate of Auburn High School (1943). Her professional journey began with roles at Camp Gleason in Auburn and Worcester's Planters Peanut Store. She was most proud of her position at Morgan Construction Company on Belmont Street in Worcester.

She balanced raising five children with an eclectic variety of local jobs. As her children grew, she transitioned to temporary secretarial work, strategically keeping her summers free. This led to long-term assignments at Anderson Nichols Water Quality Engineering, New England Power, and the Worcester Art Museum.

For her children, she organized summer visits to the Science Center, Art Museum, swimming at Holland Rink and Indian Lake and skiing at Green Hill and Ward Hill in winter. She would gather the neighborhood kids into her VW Bug for trips to Y Beach Club in Boylston. Her children still remember her saying, "Get in the car, kids! We're going to the beach - the house will be here when we are dead and gone." In those simple words lived her greatest lesson: that life is measured in sun-drenched adventures and shared laughter – the vacuuming can always wait.

Ethel taught at Saint Christopher’s Church and served as a Girl Scout leader for the Montachusett Council. She was a life member of the Auburn Historical Society and former member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary. A passionate golfer, she spent many years as part of the Williston Highlands Golf Club.

A faithful parishioner, she was a communicant of St. Richard of Chichester Parish in Sterling, MA. Those who knew Ethel will remember how she kept her joyful spirit to the end – always ready with a song and a smile.

We wish to thank the Jewish Health Care Center and Hospice. You have touched our hearts and will forever be remembered.

Family and friends are kindly invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, May 28th at 11:00 AM at St. Richard of Chichester Church, 4 Bridge Street, Sterling. Interment will follow in Hillside Cemetery, 25 Clinton Road in Sterling.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ethel’s memory may be made to St. Richards of Chichester Church, PO Box 657, Sterling, MA 01564.

Assisting with arrangements is Miles-Sterling Funeral Home & Tribute Center, 100 Worcester Rd., Sterling.