Southbridge: Taylor (Edwards) Benvenuti, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 26 ^th , in her home after a long illness.

Her husband, Deacon Edward Benvenuti, passed away in 2009.  She leaves her son, Mark E. Benvenuti of Holliston; her two daughters, Bonnie Ann Baird of Southbridge and Cara Ann Simpson and her husband Ken of Southbridge; her three grandchildren, Sara Simon of Worcester, Scott Simpson and his wife Amanda of Hampton, CT and Evan Simpson and his wife Tiffani of Southbridge; and her two great grandchildren, Ava Simon of Southbridge and Belle Simpson of Hampton, CT.  She was predeceased by her brother, Richard Edwards.  She was born in Tuskegee, AL the daughter of Katheryn (Grimmett) Edward Kennedy.

Taylor worked for the War Department during World War II.  She went onto a long career as a telephone operator beginning with New England Telephone.  She then when on to work at the American Optical Co. in Southbridge and worked at the Harrington Memorial Hospital in Southbridge for many years before retiring 4 years ago.

Taylor meant a lot of things to many people.  She was fun-loving and serious at the same time.  She loved to dance and spent many years performing at the Debbie Sichol School of Dance in Southbridge.  At work she was very thorough.  She was fast-thinking and resourceful in her business of communicating.  Perhaps some of her most important communications occurred with those workers younger than herself.  She was a great mentor!  She was straight on with meaningful, honest insight which helped many and resulted in a keen admiration for the person Taylor was.

As she approached semi-retirement she enjoyed trips to the local casinos and supporting her husband in his deacon ministry.  She loved caring for her grandchildren.  Nothing brought her more delight than doing for others!

A funeral Mass for Taylor will be held on Thursday, Dec. 30 ^th , at 11:00am in St. Mary's Church of the St. John Paul II Parish, 247 Hamilton St., Southbridge.  Burial in St. Mary's Cemetery, Southbridge, will be held at the convenience of the family.  There are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the ASPCA online at www.aspca.org .

The Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St., Southbridge, is directing arrangements.