Obituary for Sophie Taylor

Sophie was born on Oct. 31, 1931, in Strongpine, Sask. After completing Grade 8 in the country school at the age of 13, she moved to “batch” in Prince Albert to complete high school and then to teacher’s college. She taught at various country schools in northern Saskatchewan and one summer attended Emma Lake Art School.

When Sophie decided to move west with a goal of living in British Columbia, she accepted a teaching position in Pincher Creek, Alta. Here she met the love of her life, James (Jim) D. Taylor. Sophie and Jim were married in 1956 and lived on the Taylor farm/ranch near Pincher Creek, where they farmed and raised their three sons.

Sophie had a love for family, cooking, entertaining, huckleberry picking, as well as a passion for painting, astronomy, gardening, community volunteering, and was a very active member of the United Church. She was a strong force in holding government, corporations, media, and the justice system accountable. She was an advocate for transparency and honesty for the average Canadian.

Sophie was also a strong supporter of small to medium sized farms, as she pushed the government to recognize the need to protect Canada’s food supply. She also fought for the environment to protect the air we breathe and the water we drink.

Sophie will be lovingly remembered by her three sons, Don (Joyce), Brian and Gary Taylor; granddaughters Rebecca and Janet; grandsons Alexander, Joal and Owen; as well as sister Ellen Broda.

Sophie was predeceased by her husband, Jim Taylor; infant daughter Lois; brother Alexander (Al) Broda; and sisters Anne Bitterman and Lena Welykholowa.

A celebration of life service for Sophie will be held at a later date.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to all the hard-working health-care professionals at Creston Valley Hospital, Creston Home Care Support, Cranbrook Cancer Centre and Kelowna Hospital Cancer Centre, as well as a special thank you to TAPS Creston (Therapeutic Activation Program for Seniors) and Creston Valley Funeral Services.

Friends wishing to make a memorial contribution may do so to one of the following: TAPS c/o Valley Community Services Society, PO Box 187, Creston, BC, V0B 1G0; PAWS, 2805 Lower Wynndel Rd., Creston, BC, V0B 1G8; or STARS Air Ambulance (Rural Alberta), PO Box 570, Calgary, AB, T2E 8M7.

Condolences for the family may be offered at www.crestonvalleyfuneralservices.ca.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Creston Valley Funeral Services