Obituary of Rosemarie J. Taylor

Rosemarie Taylor passed away Sunday, February 7th 2021. She was born in St. Louis,  October 17, 1928 to the late Walter and Elsie Brearley. Rosemarie was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 54 years Ralph W. Taylor and sons Van Gregory and Glenn Walter Taylor. She is survived by her dear granddaughter Ashley Marie Taylor Birk and husband Bradley Birk, cousins Marianne Jones, James Hubeli, and Jimalee Hubeli, nieces and nephews Russell Setzekorn, Sandra Thrower, Jere Sinone and Robert Setzekorn, as well as countless friends, especially her much loved “second family,” the Manzers of Osage Beach.

Rosemarie was partner with Mr. Taylor as owners and operators of Taylor’s Music House, in St. Louis, for many years. What began with Ralph driving cross country selling pianos from the back of a truck grew rapidly to a single small store, then on to become the largest chain of musical instrument stores in the state.

Rosemarie and Ralph were instrumental in addressing a need they knew of from personal experience, aiding in the creation of Woodhaven in Columbia, a groundbreaking school and home providing compassionate lifelong care for children with developmental disabilities. When Woodhaven opened its doors in 1964 their son Van Gregory was the first resident, and remained a lifelong resident. They supported and guided Woodhaven from that time on, helping to provide a loving, caring, supportive home for dozens of young people, some remaining into their elder years today.

Rosemarie was deeply committed to the compassionate work of her beloved church, Community Christian Church of Camdenton, devoting herself to supporting and guiding a host of programs, raising funds, providing assistance to families in need and crisis, providing Christmas food and gifts, joining campaigns against human trafficking, serving as a Stephen’s Minister, and much more. The help she gave to those in need was simply a part of her life, always quietly, freely, and lovingly given.

When her own children were small she committed herself to teaching children with Down’s syndrome water safety and swimming, in one of the earliest programs of its kind. When her son was old enough, she involved him in Special Olympics, in which he participated nationally and internationally most of his adult life, winning so many competition medals finding places to put them all became a running joke. Rosemarie was a strong, dedicated supporter of Special Olympics for decades.

During her life she cared selflessly for Ralph’s parents, her own mother, her sons and numerous other family members. She was always available for a compassionate hearing, always with calm, simple and sage advice for not only friends, but all her family. Her loving mentorship of her granddaughter Ashley was a truly special expression of love and sharing. Rosemarie considered herself a “servant of God’s good will.” The Taylors loved travel, sailing, and entertaining friends and family. Their many adventures sailing the Caribbean with friends are legendary. The many, many lively happy gatherings at their lake home are special memories for those fortunate to have joined them.

Even while facing many tragedies in her own life, Rosemarie kept joy in life, deep compassion, care for others, generosity, courage and intelligence that will remain indelible memories and inspiration to her loving family and innumerable friends.

Visitation will be held Friday, February 12, 2021 from 10:00-11:00 am with services commencing at 11:00 am at Community Christian Church, 1064 North Business Rooute 5, Camdenton, MO 65020.

Graveside Service and Interment will be held at 11:00 am,  Saturday, February 13, at Park Lawn Cemetery, 1800 Lemay Ferry Rd, St. Louis, MO 63125

Memorial gifts in Rosemarie's name may be made to:  Woodhaven, 1405 Hathman Place, Columbia, MO 65201 www.nbawoodhaven.org.

or  Community Christian Church, 1064 N. Business Route 5, Camdenton, MO 65020

http://www.camdentondisciples.org