Obituary of Reta Helen Lois Taylor

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Reta Taylor (nee Watton)

September 24, 1939 – November 7, 2023

Saskatoon, SK.

Surrounded by love, Reta Taylor: Beloved Wife, Mom, Grandma, Aunt, and friend – passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of November 7, 2023.

Reta was born in Saskatoon on September 24, 1939, the only child of Joseph and Agnes Watton. With natural athletic ability, and an extroverted spirit, Reta made friends with ease and was drawn to team sports in her youth. Later on, her passion turned to nursing, and she became a proud graduate of the St. Paul’s Hospital School of Nursing in 1963. During her time at Nursing School, she was introduced to Gordon Taylor, whom she married shortly after graduating.

Together they progressed in their careers, started a family, and traveled to many interesting destinations with their children, including a two-year stint living in Hugelsheim, Germany, a time which Reta fondly remembered and spoke of often.

Upon their return to Canada, she loyally served her community as an “A-Team” emergency room nurse at St. Paul’s until her retirement in the mid-90s. Reta was community oriented, welcoming and accepting of all.

Upon retirement, Reta continued her passion for people and caring by being involved with many community organizations including Grandmothers for Grandmothers, the United Church, and the St. Paul’s Hospital Alumni Association. She made it her life’s mission to spoil her four grandchildren, and was tremendously successful in this endeavour.

Reta very much enjoyed nature, birding, gardening, and travel, almost as much as talking with her many wonderful friends. Keeping her hands busy and a good tale on the tip of her tongue kept those near to her entertained. She adored her grandchildren, loved a good joke and a funny story, and was always happy to strike up conversation with strangers.

Reta is lovingly remembered by her husband Gordon, son Mark (Cathy), daughter Michelle (Scott), grandchildren Victoria (Kris), John, Madeline, and Olivia, and a host of extended family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at McClure United Church (4025 Taylor St E, Saskatoon, SK) on Friday, November 10, 2023 at 1:30 PM with Rev. Debra Berg presiding. Friends and Family are invited to join in refreshment and fellowship in the Church Hall following the service.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Reta’s honour to St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation (https://www.stpaulshospital.org, Telephone: 1-888-345-0330, St. Paul's Hospital Foundation 1702 20th Street W., Saskatoon, SK., S7M 0Z9), or Grandmothers for Grandmothers (https://grandmotherscampaign.org/, Telephone: 1-888-203-9990, Stephen Lewis Foundation- 260 Spadina Ave., Suite 100, Toronto, ON M5T 2E4 Canada)

Reta’s family would like to thank the wonderful and caring staff of the Palliative Care Ward at St. Paul’s Hospital, as well as the supportive team of physicians and staff that supported Reta throughout her medical journey.