Rose Mary Taylor

10/7/1926 - 8/24/2022

Groton - Rose M. Taylor, 95, of Groton. It is with deep sadness that the family of Rose Mary Taylor announces her passing at her home Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022. Rose was born the second of four siblings Oct. 7, 1926, to Pasquale and Angelina (Baldi) Onorato in New London.

She grew up and lived in Groton, her entire life attending local schools where she reminisced over her enjoyment of playing basketball in her younger years. She retired from Arwood Precision after many years of employment. She was married to her devoted husband Lionel "Pete" Taylor for 64 years; he survives her.

In addition to her husband, Rose is survived by her three daughters, Joyce LeCara and her husband Ken of Niantic, JoAnn Pompay of Niantic, and Machelle Mele of Mystic; seven granddaughters: Jennifer, Jeannine, Joy, Nicole, Alexa, Andraya and Mia; five great-grandsons: Nicolas, Elijah, Isaiah, Oliver and Donovan; three great-granddaughters, Molly, Julia and Chloe; as well as several nieces and several nephews. In addition to being predeceased by her parents, Rose was predeceased by her two sisters, Virginia Thomas and Theresa Contino; her brother James Onorato; and her two nephews, Richard and Robert Thomas.

Rose had a keen eye for fashion and was stunning as she stepped out with Lionel. She had fun shopping for just the right look. She took pride in her home which showed in her immaculate housekeeping, enjoyed a glass of white wine, reading, swimming, gardening, eating out and a good trip to the casino to play her favorite slot machine, the Double Diamond. Her greatest joy, however, was her seven granddaughters and eight great-grandchildren whom she was generous to throughout her life, always finding a way to spoil someone or slip them a treat. She loved entertaining at the family pool where both generations of grandchildren spent many happy hours with blue lips and goose bumps insisting it wasn't time to get out yet. True to her Italian heritage, there was always something good to eat at her house. Christmas was festive, decked out with many decorations and presents for all.

She commented that she was fortunate to live 95 years, "not many people get that," with the order for us to "go and live your lives!" We will all miss her very much and are grateful for the many ways in which she showed her generosity.

The family would like to express our gratitude to the Hospice team of Dr. Vanessa Johnson. The nurses, social workers, clergy, home health aides and 24/7 hot line were wonderfully organized, kind and respectful throughout this difficult time.

At Rose's request, there will be no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 9, at Sacred Heart Church, 56 Sacred Heart Drive in Groton. Burial is private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Rose's memory to Center of Hospice Care Southeastern Connecticut, 227 Dunham Street, Norwich CT 06360. Please visit www.byles.com to sign the online register or to share a memory.