Sylvia Taylor

On March 29, 2022, Sylvia A.M. Taylor passed away at Jaffrey Rehabilitation and Nursing Center after suffering from a debilitating stroke. Sylvia was, in a nutshell, independent. If you looked up independent in the dictionary, Sylvia’s picture would be listed as the definition. She was born in London, England on September 1, 1936, and was raised with 6 brothers (William, Owen, Reg, Ron, Doug, and Dave) and one sister, Ireen (Reen). Sylvia and Reen spent much of their childhood in Wales as evacuees during the war living with their Aunt. Reen and Sylvia were more than sisters; they were the best of friends. When Reen passed away in February of 2020, Sylvia was never really the same.

Sylvia came to America in 1971 and raised 4 children on her own while working at Brookstone and also as a bartender most evenings. Many locals who visited the Straw Hat, Ridan, Monadnock Country Club, or the Salzburg Inn back in the mid-70’s and 1980’s will probably still remember that petite, blond British bartender, who was quick with a joke, a drink, and a smile. However, if you were rude or disrespectful, she would throw you out of her bar, no matter how big or strong you thought you were.

Sylvia was well-loved by the many people she met over the years. The last few years of her life were spent at Payson Village in Rindge. After living alone for so many years, Sylvia relished the comradery and friendships she developed at Payson. Those friendships and bonds perhaps made the last few years of her life the happiest.

More than anything else though, Sylvia loved her grandchildren. She would talk about them for hours to anyone who would listen. A friend from Payson recently mentioned that Sylvia told him she had never experienced true love until she had grandchildren. The two grandchildren who lived close by would be treated to many weekends at Nana’s where she would take them mini-golfing, to the movie theater, shopping, and of course eat lots and lots of treats.

Sylvia is survived by her four children, Jeffrey Taylor of Rindge, Caron Leichtman and her husband Kerry, of Rockport, Maine, Fiona Oberrick and her husband John, of San Diego, California, and Laura Merzi and her husband Michael, of Greenfield, Sylvia’s beloved grandchildren, Connor Oberrick of Pensacola, Florida, Nicholas Merzi and Olivia Merzi of Greenfield. Sylvia also loved to pieces, her nephew David Britton and his wife Helen of Blidworth, Nottingham, England, and their children Sophie and Elliot.

At Sylvia’s request, she will be cremated, and her ashes scattered in the ocean off the coast of Maine – one of her favorite places to be. Visiting hours will be held from 5-7 pm at Jellison Funeral Home, 25 Concord Street, Peterborough, NH on Thursday, April 7. In lieu of flowers, which Sylvia hated as they always died so quickly, please consider donating to the Rindge Community Church where she spent many hours packing food for those in need.