Marilyn G. Hessling Taylor

Marilyn G. Hessling Taylor, formerly of Ottawa and La Salle, Ill., died January 31, 2007, in Valencia, Calif., after a brave 14-month battle with leukemia. She was 78. Described by all who knew her as kind and loving, Marilyn considered her family and friends to be her greatest happiness. Throughout her life she touched countless people with her gracious personality and selfless generosity. Marilyn was born in Ottawa, Ill., the second of four children to Dr. Harold and Gertrude (Quinn) Hessling. She fondly remembered her early years with her siblings, Charlotte, Jim and Marybelle as well as numerous friends and family. After graduation from Ottawa Township High School in 1946, she attended the College of St. Francis in Joliet. In 1949, she married Richard F. Taylor, and together they raised four children. From 1950 to 1981, they lived in La Salle, as Richard worked as a teacher and administrator in the La Salle Public Schools. Marilyn also worked as a bridal consultant in Champaign, Ill., and she enjoyed having the opportunity to help others prepare for important and happy occasions. Marilyn Hessling Taylor's legacy is the kindness and love she shared with all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her devoted husband, Richard, of Valencia, Calif.; loving sons, Richard F. (Pam) Taylor of Muncie, Ind. and Randall R. (Kristine) Taylor of Minneapolis, Minn.; her dear daughters, Victoria Taylor of Simi Valley, Calif. and Sandra (Thomas) Henson of Valencia, Calif.; five grandchildren, Brett Flaherty, Richie, Todd and Trisha Taylor and Chloe Henson; and her beloved sister, Marybelle Hessling Musco of Newport Beach, Calif., survive her. Her parents, Dr. & Mrs. Harold Hessling; her brother, James Hessling; and her sister, Charlotte Charbonneau, preceded her in death. A Memorial Mass will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 28, 2007, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Ottawa, with the Rev. Fr. Philip D. Halfacre as the celebrant. Burial of the cremains will be in Oakwood Memorial Park, Ottawa, Ill. Everyone is to meet at church for the Memorial Mass. Visitation will be at the K of C's for refreshments and visiting with the family follow the committal service at Oakwood Memorial Park. Gladfelter Funeral Home is in charge of the local arrangements.