home on August 1, 2021 after a brief battle with thyroid
cancer. She was born in Placerville Sanitorium on June 3,
1926 to Leo and Hazel Ench.
Hazel grew up in the Placerville area now known as Apple
Hill. Growing up on a ranch, she learned the value of hard
work, a love of gardening, nature and the outdoors.
She attended the one room schoolhouse in Smith Flat then graduated from El Dorado
High School in 1944. She went on to earn a degree in Physical Education from San
Jose State University.
After college, Hazel moved to Sacramento and began her career as a physical
education teacher. During summer breaks, she traveled the world with her close
college friend Dorothy Herger. The two adventurous young women’s journeys
included trips to Europe, Africa, and South America.
Hazel’s neighbors in Sacramento were Bill and Marge Taylor . Bill’s younger brother,
George, often came to visit. George’s visits became even more frequent when he
learned there was an attractive, young, single teacher living next door. Hazel
reminisced that George sure used to go out and mow the lawn a lot. Hazel and George
were married on December 19,1954 in St. Patrick Catholic Church and their first of
three sons was born a year later.
The young couple moved to Grass Valley where George worked for the U.S. Forest
Service and Hazel spent her days keeping up with three active boys. Hazel was
anxious to resume her teaching career and returned to the classroom when her
youngest son was near school age. She taught physical education at Grass Valley High
School, Hennessy School, and was later hired as the first girl’s P.E. teacher at Lyman
Gilmore Junior High School. Even though she was busy with her teaching career,
Hazel was a dedicated mother and never missed any of her sons’ many activities.
Upon retiring, George and Hazel built a home on the family ranch in Apple Hill. Hazel
loved her retirement home where she helped her brother, Bill Ench, with ranch chores
and later her youngest son, Kirk, selling apples at the farmstand. She also spent
countless, joyful hours working in her garden. Hazel again became a world traveler as
she and George journeyed to five of the seven continents. She lost her beloved George
in 2015 and lived her remaining years spending time with family and friends. She
especially enjoyed meeting with her pine needle basket and gourd art groups at the
Placerville Senior Center.
Hazel Jane Taylor was a remarkable woman. Her honesty, generosity, and loyalty will
be greatly missed. She is survived by her sister Alica (Clancy) Meyers; her sons Brett
(Leslie), Scott (William), Kirk (Wendy); two grandsons, Zachary (Kara) and Derek
(Amanda); two step granddaughters, Allison (Arthur) and Sara; and her two great
granddaughters, Maylen and Aila.
The family would like to thank Snowline Hospice and Elder Options for their dedication,
honesty, professionalism, and kindness. We would like to acknowledge the efforts of
Mary Lou, Megan, Cindy, Patrick, and Chandell from Snowline and Gladys, Tammy,
and Miranda from Elder Options.
In honor of Hazel’s wishes, there will be no services. Donations can be made in her
name to Snowline Hospice or El Dorado County Animal Services. “Go rest high on
that mountain Mom, you will always be in our hearts and you will be missed more
than you could ever know.”
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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