Theresa Jezuwit Taylor

Theresa (Terry) Jezuwit Taylor, 93 years old, of Dallas, Texas, passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 25, 2024.

Theresa was born on February 27, 1931, in Buffalo, New York, to John J. Jezuwit, a proud Polish-American, and Victoria Blak Jezuwit, a Polish immigrant, who raised Theresa herself after her father’s death when Theresa was just 9 yrs old. A bright and driven young woman, she graduated high school at just 16 and went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree from State Teachers College of New York. While in college, Theresa met the love of her life, Willis J. “Bill” Taylor, who was studying at the University of Buffalo. They were married on June 23, 1951, at St. Gerard’s Catholic Church in Buffalo, beginning a happy marriage that lasted 54 years, until Bill’s passing in 2005.

Throughout her life, Theresa exemplified grace, resilience, and devotion. Her husband’s career as a mechanical engineer in pneumatics & hydraulics often required frequent travel and relocations, which led Theresa to pause her teaching career after just a few years. She then dedicated herself wholeheartedly to raising their family of three children and later, three beloved grandchildren. For over 65 years, Dallas, Texas, became their home, where Theresa and Bill built a life. Theresa would always state “I am a TEXAN!”

A woman deeply rooted in her Catholic faith, Theresa was an active member of St. Pius X Catholic Church and school where all three of her children graduated. She volunteered in countless capacities. Whether it was serving in the school library, helping in the cafeteria, joining church circles, or assisting on school field trips, Theresa was a steadfast presence in her children’s education and extracurricular activities. She was an avid reader and believed in the power of a strong education and was passionate about instilling this value in her children and grandchildren.

Upon her husband’s retirement, she spent time taking care of her grandchildren, and Theresa and Bill were able to spend more time together. They traveled to many places in the US and other countries. She was so caring and compassionate that she truly gave whatever was necessary for any of her family, friends, and anyone truly in need. In her later years, after Bill’s passing, Theresa found joy in reading novels, solving crossword puzzles, and cheering for her beloved Texas Rangers, especially when she witnessed their World Series victory finally this past year! She continued to still be devoted to her family which now extended to great grandchildren. Theresa spent her final two years at Walnut Place Assisted Living, where she formed new friendships and found comfort in the love of a close-knit community.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Bill, and daughter-in-law, Mary.

Theresa is survived by her three children: Stephen Taylor, Matthew (and Terina) Taylor, and Julie Ann Taylor; her grandchildren: Daniel Taylor (and Steven Summers), Nikki (and Steven Davenport), and Haley Taylor; and her four great-grandchildren: Levi, Imogen, Luke, and Ava.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Pius X Catholic Church on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at 10:30 am. Rosary prior to Mass at 10:00 am. Private interment will follow at Calvary Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that contributions be made in Theresa’s memory to a charity of your choice.

The Taylor family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Walnut Place Assisted Living for the compassionate care they provided in Theresa’s final years.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.calvaryhilldallas.com for the Taylor family.