Patricia M. “Pat” Taylor, 95, of Watford City, North Dakota, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 16, 2022 at Good Shepherd Home. Pat was born in Bemidji, Minnesota on September 27, 1926 to George and Mary Lynch Knight. After graduating from Bemidji High School, Pat attended Bemidji State Teachers College where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. Her early teaching career brought her to Grand Forks, North Dakota where she met James Taylor, who was attending law school. After their marriage in Grand Forks they moved to Watford City where they established their home. Pat gave birth to two boys, Tim in 1955 and Kent in 1956. She faithfully followed and supported her boys in all their activities. She later became an equally ardent follower of her grandchildren in their activities, including sports, music and drama. She participated in clubs and organizations, including General Federation of Womens Clubs, Toastmistress, Eagles Auxiliary, and the McKenzie County Hospital Auxiliary.

Pat was an active participant at Epiphany Catholic Church where she served as the organist and pianist for music liturgy for over 40 years. She also taught religious education classes and was a member of the Altar Society. Her Catholic faith was very important to her.

Pat loved music and was always eager to share that passion with her family and friends. She taught piano lessons to many students and led the membership effort in McKenzie County for the Williston Community Concert Series.

Pat continued her elementary teaching career in 1968. She taught third grade at the Watford City Elementary School until her retirement in 1996. She loved the rewards and challenges of teaching, and she cherished the relationships she built with her fellow teachers. After her retirement in 1996, Pat continued an active lifestyle, volunteering many hours in service to local organizations, including Good Shepherd Home, Epiphany Catholic Church and local activities including Art in the Park.

Pat is survived by her loving family: sons, Tim (Teri), Kent (Kathy), her grandchildren, Nick, Luke (Courtney) and their children Jett, Piper, and Ella, Kelli (Brett) Youngquist and their children Lux and Jaxon, Adam (Kendra) and their children Lennin, Vale and Penny, Brandon, and her niece Sherry Wallace (Conrad). She was preceded in death by her parents and her two brothers.

Her family graciously acknowledges all of her caregivers over the last 13 years.

Memorial Contribution