NAPA - Edith E. Taylor, daughter of Nels and Gerda Nelson, was born in Hibbing, Minn., on Sept. 29, 1920. She was raised in Nashwauk, Minn. Following graduation from Nashwauk High School she moved to Chicago, Ill., where she attended the Augustana Nursery Training School. Pursuing a career in child care, she moved to California, where she worked for, among others, William Randolph Hearst, caring for his children and for a time she lived at Hearst Castle in San Simeon.

In 1951, she married Robert Taylor. They raised four children: Patricia, Louise, Donald and Robert. In 1959 she and her family moved to Napa.

Aside from being a devoted mother, she was a longtime employee at the Veterans Home, from which she retired. She loved the outdoors and was an avid hiker and camper, often traveling across country with her family to visit relatives in Minnesota, camping along the way. Additionally, she was a dedicated volunteer, giving countless hours to the Kaiser Clinic and the Presbyterian Friendship Club, as well as other organizations.

After a short illness, she passed away peacefully on Oct. 20, 2009. She is survived by her sons, Donald and Robert, and many extended family members.

Service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Napa on Nov. 7, beginning at 11 a.m.