Geraldine Kendal (McCormick) Taylor

Geraldine Kendal Taylor (née McCormick), 75, of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, passed away on February 22nd, 2023, surrounded by the comfort of her family. Geraldine Kendal Taylor was born in Akron, Ohio on April 17th, 1947. She was a lifelong resident of Northeast Ohio, graduating from Cuyahoga Falls High School in 1963 and the University of Akron with a bachelor's degree in early childhood education in 1967. Kendal led her life with a compassionate heart, enthusiasm, and unwavering kindness that may be felt most by the thousands of kindergarten students she taught over her 35-year teaching career, retiring from Silver Lake Elementary in 2002. Family was the center of her life, and she built lasting relationships along the way.  

During her college summers, Kendal worked as a Girl Scout Counselor at Camp Ledgewood (Peninsula, Ohio) and Camp O'Fair Winds (Lapeer, Michigan). It was here that Kendal made some of her most cherished and enduring friendships. She and a group of ladies called themselves the "The Bat Girls." This group of confidants continued their tight bonds to the present day.

Kendal met and married the love of her life for over 51 years, James William Taylor, in 1971. Living in several locations around Akron, Kendal eventually located their family home on North Avenue in Tallmadge, Ohio. Kendal and Jim worked endlessly in their flower gardens, remodeling and adding additions to this century home. Kendal was a natural hostess for holiday gatherings and pool party socials, creating cherished memories that family and friends still remember today. 

Throughout her life, Kendal's love for her community, history, and her natural leadership abilities led her to various roles at the First Congregational Church of Tallmadge. She assumed multiple positions: moderating critical business meetings, leading the 2009 bicentennial celebrations, being Vice President of the Women's Fellowship group, and being an active member of the quilting club. As Jim and Kendal moved together into retirement, they focused much of their energy on restoring their latest project, a century farmhouse in Stow, Ohio. Kendal was the "family architect" and visionary for restoring the old farmhouse and historic barns. The Taylor farmhouse was a regular meeting spot to discuss the events of the day during Sunday dinners. Kendal's excitement for preserving significant local architecture took her across Ohio to visit historic barns with the Friends of Ohio Barns. Next, her passions led her to The Akron Woman’s City Club, where she actively directed several committees and events, eventually being voted president. During her years at the Akron Woman's City Club, she orchestrated many facility updates, repairs and balanced the finances so future generations could admire and enjoy this historical landmark. In addition to her numerous organizations, Silver Lake teachers groups, weekly breakfast gatherings, luncheons, and the church card club are just a few of her social groups with friends. Many would say that Kendal's laughter was unmistakable, and she would light up the room. 

Kendal was preceded in death by her youngest sister, Carolyn Boak; her father, William McCormick; and her mother, Geraldine McCormick.

She is survived by her husband, James "Jim" William Taylor. Kendal's greatest joy came from her children, Nathan William Taylor (Amy Markey Taylor), Leslie Kendal Pierce (Wesley Pierce); and her beloved grandchildren, Warren W. Taylor and Samuel W. Pierce, who will miss her dearly. Kendal is also survived by her sister, Catherine Schei (Daryl Schei), and sister-in-law, Cheryl Harouff. Kendal also had a special relationship with and is survived by her niece and nephew, Martha Boak (Art Crivella) and Steven Boak. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

For seven years, Kendal courageously battled Sezary Syndrome, a variant of Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma. Kendal lived every moment of her life to the fullest, and she never let this disease define who she was. Kendal often expressed her gratitude to her husband, who was right by her side as her primary caregiver, and to the compassionate team of doctors and specialists at the University Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio.

A 'Celebration of Life & Memorial Service' is planned for March 25th, 2023, at the First Congregational Church of Tallmadge. Services will be from 3:00-4:00 p.m., with a reception immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to the Cutaneous Lymphoma Foundation in her memory via their website at clfoundation.org.

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