August 20, 1955 – March 20, 2026
After a life filled with love and devotion, we announce the passing of Karen J. Taylor on Friday, March 20th, 2026.
Karen was born on August 20th, 1955, to Dorothy and Chipman Spear. in Black’s Harbour, New Brunswick. At the young age of 16, Karen met the love of her life, Lawrence S. Taylor (Larry) at a high school dance. Karen and Larry married three years later in 1974, and were married nearly 50 years, before Larry’s passing on December 31st, 2023.
Karen was a devoted wife and mother to her three children, Jennifer, Mark, and Sarah. Being a wife and mother gave her the greatest joy in life. As a family of five, there were many cherished memories of being together and trips to Florida, Montreal, Toronto and annual ski vacations in Saint-Saveur, Quebec. Family time together was always filled with an abundance of love and laughter. Karen was the greatest cheerleader, confidante, and safe place for her children. The immense love she had for each of child was indescribable and beyond measure.
Professionally, Karen was both passionate and highly skilled in her work with children. She developed and operated private play school curriculums and kindergarten programs from 1985 to 1990, before kindergarten was introduced in the public school system. She studied Early Childhood Education from NBCC and University of New Brunswick (Saint John). Karen was a kindergarten teacher at Fairvale Elementary School from 1991 to 1999, when a brief illness impacted her ability to work full-time. She then supply taught in District 6, until 2006. Karen loved each of her students and personally held them close to her heart. In the last ten years, she held positions as a Recreation Coordinator at Shannex and casual employment at Discover Saint John.
Outside of her daily life, Karen was a talented cook and baker, which she would always say the special ingredient was “made with love.” She also enjoyed gardening, bird watching, knitting and golfing with Larry. Karen enjoyed travelling to many places with Larry throughout their lives such as Las Vegas, Chicago, Cocoa Beach, Florida, and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Karen absolutely adored her grandchildren and would always be in attendance for sporting events and concerts for each one of them. Her grandsons, Matthew and Ethan, were the “apple of her eye” and had a very special bond with both, filled with love and adoration. She was extremely proud of Matthew obtaining his PhD from Western University in 2024 and Ethan for his athletic ability, work ethic and artistic talent.
Karen had a steadfast belief in God throughout her life and had assurance that when her time on earth ended, she would be greeted at the gates of heaven by Jesus, her husband Larry and her daughter, Jennifer Stackhouse.
Sadly, Karen leaves behind her son, Mark Taylor and daughter, Sarah (Chris) Messer; and grandchildren, Matthew (Kianna) Stackhouse, Dominyka & Mia Taylor, and Ethan Messer; step-grandson, Will Messer; brother Peter (Kathy) Spear and sister, Mary (Greg) Hatt and many nieces and nephews.
Karen also leaves behind her beloved “grand-dog” Bailey and “grand-cat” Rempe, who gave her an immense amount of joy and laughter daily.
Her family would like to express their utmost appreciation and gratitude for the staff of 5CS Family Medicine, 3BN Palliative Care and Bobby’s Hospice during her two-month sudden diagnosis and battle with a glioblastoma. A special thank you to Dr. Chris O’Brien and Dr. Emily Love for their care and compassion.
Another special thank you to the LMHA U15 Bandits hockey team, who dedicated the second half of their season to “Ethan’s Nana” and her sudden health battle, winning a tournament championship and the SNBMHL Day of Champions in her honour.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB, (506-634-7424). With visitation on Thursday, March 26, 2026, from 2:00 – 4:00 PM and 6:00 – 8:00 PM. A Funeral Service will be held from the Brenan’s Chapel on Friday, March 27, 2026, at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow in Greenwood Cemetery. To celebrate Karen’s bright and beautiful spirit, we kindly invite attendees to wear bright colours or florals. Donations in memory of Karen may be made to Bobbys Hospice.
