Mary Ryan Taylor

Mary Ryan Taylor, a Catholic woman of great faith, died on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, peacefully in her home surrounded by her loving daughters. She was 101 years old. The daughter of the late William J. and Thelma Ryan, Mary was a lifelong New Orleanian who graduated from St. Stephen Catholic School, St. Mary’s Dominican High School, and Maybin Business School. Mary was a war bride as her husband served in World War II and the Korean War. Mary and her husband Tom were one of the first original families of Lake Vista and were founding parishioners of St. Pius X Catholic Church. Mary was a loving homemaker and legal secretary for her husband.

Mary was known as the “Walker of Lake Vista” because she exercised throughout the parks and lanes for six miles each day even before it was fashionable. Participating in all St. Pius X Church and School activities throughout her life, Mary was a member of the Mothers’ Club, the Mr. and Mrs. Club, the Marians, the Thursday Prayer Group, the Sodality, and the Rosary Group.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 52 years Thomas J. Taylor; her darling son Thomas J. Taylor, Jr.; siblings Nellie R. Brigtsen, Catherine R. Bacon, and William J. Ryan, Jr.; grandson Steben Campbell; and great-grandson Colin Williamson.

She is survived by her four daughters Kathleen T. Campbell (Steve), Patricia T. DeLoach (the late James Ray), Mary Lee T. Aertker (Erick), and Lisa Taylor; her grandchildren Kevin Williamson, Kasey W. Stella, Bryant DeLoach, Michelle D. Brooks, Renee D. Matamoros, Erick Aertker, Scott Aertker, and Eliece C. Roig; 18 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Heartfelt thanks to Rhett Accardo, the Sister Servants of Mary, St. Joseph Hospice, and caregivers (Luciana Robertson, Gail Green, and Debbie White) for the love, prayers, and respect for the dignity of Mary’s life in her final days.

Visitation will begin at 10 AM on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 6666 Spanish Fort Blvd. The Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 AM. Burial will be at Lake Lawn Metairie Cemetery immediately following the Mass. Pastor of St. Pius X Catholic Church Fr. Jonathan Hemelt will be the main celebrant. In lieu of flowers, Masses are preferred.