Helen Sorenson Taylor

Helen Rachel Sorenson Taylor, 78, of Midvale, Utah, died at her home July 6, 2011.

Helen was born April 9, 1933, in Fayette, Utah, the daughter of Ernest and Rachel Sorensen, the second of 5 children. She graduated from Gunnison High School.

On September 17, 1953, Helen married her eternal partner, Gene Taylor, in the Manti temple, and they began what became an epic love story that lasted nearly 58 years. Shortly after their marriage, they moved to Salt Lake City. In 1960, they built a home in Midvale, where they raised their two daughters (Barbara and Betty), actively participated in community and church activities, and were the center of the social universe for their family and many friends. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Helen had many church callings. In her long tenure as a Primary teacher, Helen influenced the spiritual development of countless children, and wrote and directed many Lahoma Holiday plays.

Helen was a complex woman who treasured simple pleasures. Constrained by rheumatoid arthritis for most of her adult life, she chose not to let the disease stifle her joy or her creativity. She was an artist, with masterful crocheting and quilting skills. She was a prolific poet, who summoned profound insight through simple prose. She was an excellent cook and took great pride in her yard and home. She found joy in travel, in summers on the houseboat at Lake Powell, at the Bear Lake cabin, and even with her stuffed animals.

Helen was a treasured friend to many. She brought beauty into the lives of others through the insight of her words, the courage of her example, and her unwavering love of life. Often in pain, Helen always found the resolve to provide comfort and direction to the steady stream of those who sought her counsel or just the enjoyment of her company.

But the simple pleasure Helen treasured most was her family. Helen was wise beyond her experience, the smart grandma, whose praise and encouragement compelled us to try harder in our personal quests and to treasure and sustain the precious joy of our family ties.

Helen is survived by her soul mate Gene, daughters Barbara (Jay) Wiseman, Betty (Brad) Holt, sisters Ardella (Rey) Sorensen and LeeOra (Greg) Taylor, brother Don (Alice) Sorensen, grandchildren Jill (Kyle) Wilkins, Steve (Nicki) Wiseman, Kevin Holt, Scott Holt, and great granddaughter Kassidy Wilkins.

No more pain or fatigue to face, Just the thrill of seeing family and friends And Gods love to embrace – Helen Taylor

A viewing will be held Sunday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 at the Union Fort Third Ward building at 6710 Union Park Avenue (1300 East), Midvale, Utah. The funeral service will be held at the same location at 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 11 (preceded by a viewing from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.). Services under the direction of Russon Brothers Salt Lake Mortuary. Online guestbook available at www.russonmortuary.com

Interment will take place at the Fayette Cemetery at 4:00 p.m.

The family would like to thank the efforts of Heartwood Home Health and Hospice, especially Glenna and Emily, who have helped make the last months bearable.

And to Aunt LeeOra . . . no sister could have hoped for a more selfless and unfailing sibling. We love you.