Obituary of Ann Louise Taylor

Ann Louise (Brooks) Taylor left this life on April 24, 2022, after a brief illness.

Ann was born in Warren, Ohio to Russell and Elizabeth Brooks. She grew up in Niles, Ohio and graduated from Hiram College with a degree in Elementary Education. She went to Oberlin College to pursue a higher degree in Christian Education and met her husband, Charles Taylor who predeceased her in 2004. They were partners in ministry and community development in NY and NJ with the longest tenure in Rochester, NY where together they led a thriving congregation. During this time, Ann was an elementary school teacher for the Rochester City School District with her last assignment teaching in the district’s Gifted and Talented program.  Upon retirement from teaching, Ann worked as a coordinator for the Youth for Christ organization.

 A chance vacation rental brought them to the Lahave Islands in 1969. Loving it so much, they purchased property and built a vacation home returning to spend time at Christmas and summers enjoying being part of the island community. These neighbors are a family of friends to this day. Charles retired from the Presbyterian Church USA and accepted a call in Springhill, Oxford, and Riverview, NS with the Presbyterian Church of Canada. He retired from full-time congregational service, and they were able to move to the island home year-round. They both remained active in the regional leadership of the Presbyterian Church of Canada. Ann also became involved with the Atlantic Mission Society, a women’s’ organization supporting many Christian mission projects and training. She eventually would serve as the group’s President.

When Ann retired from her many leadership roles, she enjoyed welcoming family and friends to Nova Scotia as well as reading mysteries, continuing her personal spiritual studies, doing personal writing, and hosting celebratory get-togethers at her home when her mobility became reduced. She was always phoning family, friends, and church colleagues to make sure all were well. She was on the Board of the Lahave Islands Marine Museum for many years.

Ann will be missed by her daughter, Susan Rhodenizer (Craig) of NY; her grandson, Stephen; sisters-in-law, Margaret Walther of TN and Barbara Grace Sullivan of NH; multiple nieces and nephews; her close friends, Mary and Earl Smith, and many friends from Nova Scotia and Rochester, NY.

In Ann’s memory, put on your red lipstick, enjoy a glass of wine, have a Snickers bar, celebrate all the good things in your life, and take care of your neighbors.

Services will be held Sunday, May 1, 2022, at 2:00 at Knox Presbyterian Church in West Dublin, NS with a reception to follow at the West Dublin Hall.  In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to St. Matthews Presbyterian Church in West Dublin or to the Lahave Islands Marine Museum. On-line condolences and messages may be made by visiting: www.sweenysfuneralhome.com.