Kathleen Hilma Taylor

9/24/1952 – 3/19/2025

Kathleen Hilma Taylor was born in Juneau, Alaska on September 24th, 1952, to Julian and Mary (Guilmet) Graham. She passed away at Colville Health and Rehabilitation of Cascadia in Colville WA in the early morning of March 19th, at 72 years old.

She spent her earliest years in the idyllic fishing village of Pelican, AK until a tragic brain cancer diagnosis caused her family to move to the Seattle area for a lifesaving treatment. There was little hope for her survival or future following those drastic procedures. In the late 1950's that kind of brain surgery and radiation treatment did not leave her or her family with much hope. Against all odds she not only lived, but she also learned to walk again and live a life full of love, joy, and fullness. She was left legally blind, which only slowed her down the smallest bit. When she passed away, she had been the longest surviving person of that kind of cancer and those procedures of the era.

After her surgery and treatment, her family moved to northeastern Washington where her mother and father established a dairy farm. She had an older brother and sister, and younger brother. She spent most of her school years in Chewelah where she graduated from Jenkins H.S. in May of 1971.

Prior to graduating high school she met Rick Taylor, a lanky, older man that had done work for her father. While nursing him after an injury, they fell in love. They were married on May 29th, 1971, shortly after she graduated. After a few moves they settled in Addy in August of 1977, where they lived for the rest of their lives.

"Kathy" (as she was known to her husband Rick) was an avid homemaker and spent many of her days tending to her two boys, Rick and Julian. She was a wonderful baker, that would tell stories of how terrible a cook she was when she first got married. Kathleen's home was filled with love and the smell of fresh baked bread. She could be found humming or singing along with the radio, elbow deep in bread dough in her kitchen. When not in the kitchen she was crocheting wonderful blankets and everything else for family and friends. Giving comforting things was one of her superpowers.

Her care and affection were known widely, and many children ended up spending a lot of time in her home. People trusted her with their most precious possessions, their children. Kathleen created a home where everyone was welcomed and loved.

Kathleen loved the outdoors, especially fishing. She shared this love with her husband, and they went very often in the local area. She also loved her pets. From cats and dogs to her chickens they would be seen following her through town on her daily walks. When the weather didn't cooperate with her being outside in her garden, she was a prolific letter writer. She kept in touch with far away family, her son that had moved away, and even old friends back in Pelican. Her letters were always a joy for those lucky enough to receive them.

Kathleen will be greatly missed by all who had the fortune to meet her. She is survived by her sons Rick and Julian, seven grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, 2 siblings. She is now in heaven with her husband, father and mother, brother and first-born great grandson. A memorial service is being planned for late spring, and details will be released soon.