NANCY GRACE MEISSNER TAYLOR
9-15-1940 to 6-30-2025
Nancy Taylor (age 84) moved into the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on June 30, 2025. She was the daughter of Wilbur and Grace Meissner, born in Philadelphia, PA, in 1940. When Nancy was five years old, Will and Grace purchased their “dream home”, a five-acre farm in Valley Forge. At a very young age, Nancy loved “homemaking”. She was always helping her mom with cooking, canning and freezing the wonderful fresh vegetables on the farm. She loved gardening, helping her dad in the vegetable garden and planting and growing beautiful flowers.
Nancy loved caring for others, which explains her career choice to be an LPN (licensed practical nurse), training at the Chester County Hospital. When very young, she lovingly cared for the neighbor’s dog who had a broken leg after being hit by a car and later assisted the neighbors to care for their son after being severely burned. Her first nursing job was in Geriatrics at the Cathcart Nursing Home. Although she did not use her LPN degree in a formal medical setting after that, she applied what she learned in every aspect of her life.
Nancy and Tom Taylor were married at a very young age. When Tom finished his service in the Army, he and Nancy took the position of house parents for twelve teenage boys at the Presbyterian Children’s Village. By this time, their first child, Mark, had been born, followed by Bethany. When Paul came along, the Taylor family moved to Malvern. They became very active at the Malvern Baptist Church. Nancy taught the little ones in Sunday School, sang in the choir, played the piano, started and conducted the bell choir and served wherever needed. The family continued to grow, adding Lynette (Lindsay) and Lumiere (Lu). Nancy took every opportunity to teach her children, her nieces and nephews, and any child with whom she came in contact, the important lessons in life, not only in words but by example, as she lived out her Christian faith.
After several years in Malvern, the need arose for Nancy and Tom to move to Nancy’s old homestead, the farm in Valley Forge. During that time, the household grew to four generations under one roof. Lots of “homemaking” for Nancy. Also, over the years, Nancy and Tom fostered twenty-seven newborn babies, giving them a healthy, loving start in life.
Music was a great love and vital part of Nancy and Tom’s life, and they encouraged each of their children to pursue their musical ability through the school orchestra and band. Nancy and Tom served as chaperones on band trips and supported all endeavors of the music program.
After the Valley Forge homestead was sold, Nancy and Tom became innkeepers at the Victorian Guest House in Towanda, PA. Many wonderful memories were made over the ten years they were there and, of course, giving Nancy more opportunity for “lots of homemaking”.
During their years of marriage, Nancy’s nursing skills were challenged by the many facets of Tom’s diabetes. It took its toll from heart surgeries to amputations. Tom and Nancy met each challenge together. They lived in the Downingtown area for a few years until diabetes won the battle, making Nancy a widow in 2008.
Nancy moved to the Tel Hai Retirement Community in 2012. She enjoyed many friendships and volunteered to play the piano for Chapel and Bible Studies. Even though her health has diminished over the last few years, requiring a move to Personal Care and then to Skilled Nursing, Nancy always felt a need to care for those around her. She enjoyed being at Chester County Hospital during her various health challenges as it is an excellent hospital and had a special place in her heart because she trained there.
Nancy is survived by two sisters, Joyce Weiss (Chet) and Ruth Culp (Rick) and a brother, David Meissner (Esther). Mother of five children: Mark Thomas Taylor (deceased), Bethany Ann Dogan, Paul Andrew Taylor (Michelle, deceased), Lynette Colleen Maria Addison (Jeffrey) and Lumiere Christine Tiffany (Carl). Grandmother to: Alex and Matthew Preto, Joshua and Jeffrey Dogan, Brian Taylor, William Addison and James Tiffany. Great Grandmother to: Skyla Thompson, Henry and Elizabeth Preto.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 11:00 AM, in the Tel Hai Chapel, 1200 Tel Hai Circle, Honey Brook, PA 19344. The service will be preceded by visitation with the family from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Tel Hai Care Assurance Fund would be appreciated and can be mailed to the Tel Hai Retirement Community, PO Box 190, Honey Brook, PA 19344-0190.