By Sean Callahan
On the evening of Feb. 21, Dr. John Smetanka, vice president of Academic Affairs and academic dean, emailed the SVC community to inform them of the passing of Irene S. Taylor, mother of Fr. Paul Taylor, O.S.B., president of Saint Vincent College. According to Mrs. Taylor’s obituary, she passed away unexpectedly on Feb. 20. She was 87 years old.
On Feb. 24, at 11:30 a.m., the Christian burial Mass for Mrs. Taylor was livestreamed via Zoom. The Mass took place at Sacred Heart Church, with Fr. Paul Taylor presiding over it.
Mrs. Taylor is survived by three sons, seven grandchildren, three brothers, and one sister. She is described as hardworking and active in the community, having worked in nursing since 1956 at Georgetown University Hospital, and having been a consistent member of choir, Respect Life and RCIA at Sacred Heart Church. She also attended daily Mass, enjoyed time with family and liked going to Saint Vincent events.
Mrs. Taylor’s family intends to have a celebration of life later this year, should gathering safely become possible.