Laura L. Taylor

Laura L. (DiPaolo) Taylor, 67, peacefully passed away after a courageous, lengthy battle with Breast Cancer on November 10, 2016. Laura was born in Michigan City, IN on May 31, 1949 to the late Anthony and Sarah (Carter) DiPaolo.  On March 13, 1992, she married Timothy M. Taylor who preceded her in death in 2013.  Surviving her are two daughters, Kylee Peters of St. Joseph, MI; Kimberlee Peters, overseas; four step-children, Sheila Lehker of Phoenix, AZ; Mark (Andrea) Taylor of Lake Forest, IL; Jeff (Andrea) Taylor of Rye, NY; Andrew Taylor of Chicago, IL; Grandchildren Anthony and Alexandra Barajas, Christopher and Andrew Lehker, Kevin Taylor, Benjamin Taylor; Brother Anthony (Mary) DiPaolo, Sisters Rosemarie DiPaolo and Christine DiPaolo, many nieces and nephews and her dog Mia.  She was preceded in death by her younger brother Michael DiPaolo.  Laura worked for Whirlpool Corporation for 20+ years in Clyde, OH and Benton Harbor, MI in various positions. She was an avid reader, was an active member of St. John / St. Bernard Parish, served God through jail ministry, prayer groups, church retreats, and many other faith-based activities, enjoyed traveling, volunteered at Hospice and nursing homes and dearly loved her children and spoiling her grandchildren.  She lived a life filled with tremendous faith in God, and her courage and inspiration will be missed.    Visitation will be from 5pm-7:30pm (EST) with the Rosary recited at 7:30pm (EST) on Friday, November 18 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel at 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10am (EST) on Saturday, November 19 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church at 555 E. Delaware Ave, Benton Harbor, with Fr. Michael Rejent officiating.  Private placement of her urn next to her husband Tim will take place at a later date at Cedar Grove Cemetery in Notre Dame, Indiana.  Those wishing to sign Laura’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.     In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Susan G. Komen (Komen Michigan) or The Caring Circle (Hospice at Home).