Maria Del Pico Taylor

Maria del Pico Taylor passed away peacefully at home on March 13, 2025. Born in Havana, Cuba on May 7, 1935 she was the loving daughter to the late Aurelio del Pico and Maria Santiago. Maria was a bright and talented young woman. She received a scholarship to study piano in 1958 in Canada. While at school, she met her husband Ray and fell in love. Together they traveled for several years, arriving in Chicago, Illinois. Maria was told it would be difficult- impossible to conceive a child. Undeterred by the limitations of 1960s medicine, Maria persevered through many treatments, numerous specialists and tests. She gave birth to Vania [ whose name means God's gift] on Jan 6, 1969. From there they spent time in Arizona while Ray played with the symphony. A job opportunity presented itself in 1974 at Temple University and Maria, Ray and Vania settled in the Philadelphia area. Maria graduated with her Masters of Music from Northwestern University and from there her career flourished. Maria accepted a position at Temple University in 1974 which she held pass her retirement until 2024. She left an everlasting mark as a revered professor who made outstanding advancements in the musical community both internationally and nationally. Maria was a pioneer to her peers and students alike as the Founder and Artistic Director of Latin Fiesta Inc. and Co-founder and Co-director of The Dorothy Taubman Seminars in New York City. Maria's accomplishments did not go unnoticed. She was the recipient of many awards, including but not limited to the Lindback Award for distinguished teaching, Distinguished Teacher of the Year Award for the state of PA, the first Cuban to receive the Canadian Council Grant, she was selected as one of six Outstanding Women in Philadelphia by the Ibero America Foundation, and she was listed on International Who's Who in Music and Who's Who Among Women. Her accomplishments are immeasurable. Maria artistically nurtured her culture all while making profound advancements in the community she cherished so much. Along with her many musical accomplishments, Maria also was fluent in Spanish, French and English. Maria was a devoted wife and partner to the late Raymond J. Taylor for 57 years until his passing in 2020. Together they shared years of traveling the world performing together. We find comfort knowing Maria is reunited with her husband and her beloved daughter, the late Vania Taylor- Watson. Maria is survived by her son-in-law Gregory Watson and countless treasured friends, colleagues and students. She will be missed by all who loved her. Relatives and friends are invited to Maria's Life Celebration on Saturday May 17, 2025 from 10 am to 10:50 am with her service to follow at 11 am at Boyd Horrox Givnish Life Celebration Home of East Norriton, 200 West Germantown Pike. Donations in Maria's memory can be made to the Dorothy Taubman Seminar https://www.zeffy.com/fundraising/in-memory-prof-maria-del-pico-taylor In lieu of flowers, the family requests guests bring live plants that will be placed in Maria's garden. To share your fondest memories of Maria, please visit www.lifecelebration.com Services to the family are entrusted to Boyd-Horrox-Givnish Life Celebration Home of East Norriton, 610-277-7000. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Maria, please visit our floral store.