Jessica Guy Taylor
1968 – 2009
AUBURN — Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass… it’s about learning to dance in the rain.
Jessica Shani Lee Guy Taylor, 40, a resident of Lewiston, passed away at Androscoggin Home Care Hospice House, on Sunday, July 26. “Jess” was our beloved daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, a cherished friend, and an inspiration to us all.
She was born in Lewiston, Oct. 6, 1968, the daughter of Real and Suzanne Roy Guy. She attended Auburn schools, graduated from Edward Little High School in 1986, and from Westbrook College in 1988.
Over the years, her places of employment include, TD BankNorth, Perse Technology, St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center, and The Home Mortgage Co.
Jess was a member of the YMCA in Auburn, where she liked to work out and also volunteered at the front desk for many years. She enjoyed hiking, spending time in nature, and going to Popham Beach – a favorite spot that always renewed her spirit.
She was a biking enthusiast who participated in the Lung Cancer Association’s Trek Across Maine. A self-professed “movie junkie,” she was up on all the latest flicks, enjoyed text messaging as well as connecting with friends on Facebook. Through CaringBridge, a Website that links loved ones during critical illness, she was able to regularly share her thoughts and feelings with many people, as well as receive messages of love and support.
One of her greatest passions was her love of animals which prompted her to start a part-time business, Critter Sitter, where she provided in-home pet care.
She was a committed member of the Pathway Vineyard Church where she served in multiple capacities including as a greeter and lay counselor. She was a constant source of inspiration to others and her smile was captivating, her laughter contagious. Everyone who knew her knew that she was fascinated with butterflies and she often reminded us to think of her each time we saw one.
Throughout her three year battle with cancer, her personal relationship with Jesus provided her with hope and peace. She never took her eyes off of Him, cherished every day and chose to live fully in the moment. For as long as she could, she continued to be there for other cancer patients as a volunteer at the Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope and Healing.
She is survived by her mother; her sisters, Coleen Daskowski and France Shea of Auburn, Polly Hill and her husband, Brian, of Bel Air, Md.; nephews and nieces, William and Caitlin Hill, Joshua Cooper and his wife, Anna, Emily Knox, Christopher Shea, his wife Bridget, and their children, John, Joseph and Jenna, and Ryan Shea, his wife, Alexi, and their son, Max.
She was predeceased by her father; and a sister, Claudette Guy Knox.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Roger Austin and the staff at Hospice House for their compassionate end of life care.