Marian Eleanor Bundy Taylor began her “New” Journey on December 6. 2022. She was born to the Rev. Theodore R. Bundy and Elsie Turpin Bundy in Danville, N.H. On March 26, 1922. She was a beloved daughter, sister, aunt, cousin,(minister's) wife, daughter-in-law, mother, grandmother, active Church member, neighbor, and friend to many. She graduated high school in Saranac Lake, NY., and received her Bachelor's degree at American University, Washington, D.C. She eventually pursued a Master's degree in teaching at Oneonta State University, Oneonta, NY. She had a couple jobs after college that seemed to have limited future, so after some nudging from her mother, applied to the New York Annual Conference Missionary Appeal to teach English in South Korea. That would propel her to a surprising future. Marian met her husband, Rev. Lyman (Bud) Taylor while on assignment. Marrying on the eve of the start of the Korean war, they had to evacuate the country. After a harrowing story, (many of you have heard), made it safely to Japan. That began a three year chapter of teaching in Mission schools there. During that time their son, Lawrence (Larry) was born in Tokyo. Upon return to the United States they pursued a life of a Minister's family in eight successive appointments with the New York Annual Conference of the Methodist Church. Their daughter, Sandra (Sandy) joined them in 1958.
Marian had been very active in The United Methodist Women organization for many years. She was the Coordinator for their summer School of Missions for several years. Her leadership talents came into play in this role, which she enjoyed immensely. She taught school age children as a tutor for several years. She found much enjoyment in the one-to-one engagement. She and Lyman were very active with the Resident's Assn. at the United Methodist Homes in Shelton during their retirement years. She enjoyed doing crafts and decorating. She was a voracious reader. Marian's passion though was socializing with people. (Well suited to be a Minister's spouse). She absolutely loved to tell stories!! That is what most people remember her for, and enjoyed. Her mother once stated when picking her up at college: to locate Marian, “..just stop and listen..” Her college yearbook indicates, “..she was involved in everything...” A Minister friend describes her as, “Fiesty and Faithful”. Well put. Marian is survived by her two children and their partners, her granddaughter, Jessica and her husband, several nieces, nephews, a few cousins, and many, many friends. She was just so pleased to have been able to know and be known by so many, from so many places. Hers was a very blessed and full life of 100 yrs. & 9 months. Good going my Dear!! You will be greatly missed by so many!!
A memorial service will be held on March 26th (Marian’s Birthday) at 2:00pm at The First United Methodist Church of Shelton Connecticut located at 188 Rocky Rest Road, Shelton, CT 06484; reception to follow at the Church. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Marian Taylor are suggested to The First United Methodist Church of Shelton.
