Carol Ann Taylor was born in Arcata, CA on November 8, 1949, and passed away peacefully in her home on December 22, 2017.
She grew up in Blue Lake, CA and raised her family in Madera Ranchos, where she lived for 38 years until her passing.
She graduated from Fresno State with a degree in political science, and later went on to get her teaching credential. She taught for 10 years at Monroe Elementary School in Madera, grades kindergarten, first, and second.
Carol was known as a kind, loving, and spiritual person, and one of the great pleasures in her life was spending time with her grandchildren, reading to them, playing games, and showing them her garden.
She had a special ability to take her time with the children and let them discover more about the world around them.
Gardening also brought Carol great joy. In her retirement, she became a Master Gardener for Madera County, and spent time demonstrating and teaching gardening in her community. She was particularly interested in permaculture and sustainable living.
Carol is preceded in death by her parents, Clark and Mary Taylor. She is survived by her daughter Leslie Holeman-Umali (Derrick Umali) of Davis, and her son John-Paul Holeman (Andrea) of Visalia; four grandchildren: Clark and Orion Umali, and Alice and Dorothy Holeman.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 6 at 1 PM at Community United Church of Christ: 5550 N. Fresno St. Fresno.
Memorial donations may be made to UCCE Master Gardeners of Madera County.