Marcella Taylor

Marcella Taylor, 98, a longtime St. Augustine resident, passed away at Samantha Wilson Care Center on April 7, 2011, after a brief illness. She was born in Philadelphia, Pa., on Aug. 12, 1912, the daughter of William Bickel and Mollie (Essig) Bickel. Her father, who was born in Germany, was a policeman. Marcella worked in Philadelphia for many years as an executive secretary for a local electric company. She and her husband, William R. Taylor, moved to St. Augustine in the 1960s. He passed away on Christmas Day, 1979.

Marcella was an early supporter of the St. Augustine Humane Society, working to raise funds and awareness. She was honored in 2009 with a founder"s plaque at the Humane Society headquarters.

She and her husband adopted many dogs over the years, wherever they lived, and her memories of them were very dear to her. She leaves behind friends who will miss her wry wit, her intelligence, and her stories about the old days, including those who cared for her at Samantha Wilson Care Center, her home for many years.

Marcella will be buried in San Lorenzo Cemetery beside her husband.

Graveside services will be held in the northwest section of the cemetery, located at 1635 U.S. 1, at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 25, 2011, the Rev. David Shokes, officiating.

A celebration of Marcella"s life will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 7, 2011, at Samantha Wilson Care Center, 161-A Marine St., St. Augustine. Those wishing may make a contribution to the St. Augustine Humane Society, PO Box 133, St. Augustine, FL 32085, in Marcella"s memory.

Craig Funeral Home Crematory Memorial Park is in charge of arrangements.