Obituary of Maxine Gwendolyn Taylor

September 16, 1918 – Castor, Alberta
May 9, 2023 – Calgary, Alberta

Maxine Taylor of Calgary, AB, passed away on Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at the age of 104 years.

Maxine was born September 16, 1918. She was the fifth of eight children born to Helen (Spencer) and Arthur Miller. She grew up on the family farm west of Castor, AB. Maxine’s dad was born in Truro, Nova Scotia and her mom was born in Belleville, Ontario. They met while working on a local ranch in the Castor area. Maxine completed seven years of schooling before her, and her cousin Gladys brought their books home in Grade 8 at Easter break and announced to their parents that they would NOT be returning to class. At which point, Maxine’s dad told her “If you want to stay home and milk cows and feed chickens, that’s up to you”. In later years Maxine worked in the Castor Hospital prior to marrying the love of her life, Irvine Taylor, on December 3, 1938.

Initially they lived with Irvine’s parents on the farm south of Halkirk, AB and eventually took over the farm. For the rest of their working lives, they raised cattle and grew grain. Son Harold was born January 10, 1940 and daughter Betty was born June 9, 1943. Maxine and Irvine were true partners. They worked together side by side, both outside and in the home. They bought more farmland, and in 1953 had a new house built at a location closer to the town of Halkirk. Maxine designed the house, and they did some of the interior finishing themselves. They were active members of the Halkirk community. In 1974 they sold the majority of their farmland and moved to Castor. They built a new home backing onto a wetland known as the Castor Donut. Again, Maxine designed the home and they did some of the work themselves. They were again active members of the community. In particular the Golden Circle, where they enjoyed coffee with friends and playing in the floor curling league. Maxine and Irvine enjoyed travelling to the UK, Australia, Arizona as well several destinations in Canada. In 2003 they sold their home and moved to Calgary. Initially they lived in a senior’s condo in the area of Patterson. 

Irvine passed away February 9, 2008 and Maxine moved into Wentworth Manor Assisted Living a year later. After falling and breaking her hip in July 2022, Maxine was eventually moved to Wentworth’s Long Term Care building and is where she passed away surrounded by her loving family.

Maxine was predeceased by her parents Arthur and Helen; her seven siblings Velma (Russ), Vivian (Jean), Phyllis (Atlee), Tim (Grace), Wilfred (Annie), Marjorie (Bill) and Ernie (Isobel); her daughter-in-law Margaret; and her grandson-in-law Leon. Maxine is survived by her son Harold and daughter Betty; grandchildren Jennifer, Cynthia (James), Michael (Ruby), Pamela, and Chantel; her great-grandchildren Kristen (Matt), Jennifer, Jessica (Adam), Matthew, Connor, Margarita and Elizabeth; and her great-great-grandchildren Julius, Georgia, Rocky and Theodore.

Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Maxine Taylor, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.