euskalkultura.eus

06/30/2017 - Folsom, CA, USA

Josephine (Jo) Taylor (nee Esparza) passed away at home on June 30, 2017 with her husband by her side, at age 82. 

Jo was born to a Basque ranching family in Stockton, California. In her youth, she enjoyed working at the ranch, taking care of calves and lambs and riding the horses. 

Jo was very athletic and excelled at water skiing and snow skiing. She was invited to join the world famous Cypress Gardens Ski Team, but decided to attend college. 

Jo began at Dominican University and graduated from University of the Pacific, majoring in Education. She taught middle school in Marin County. 

Jo was loved by her students and was singled out for honors in their class publications. 

Jo married Ken Frey and had three children with him before his untimely death. 

In 1970, Jo married for a second time, to Bob Taylor. This marriage endured for 47 years and was a loving and happy one until Josephine's death. 

Jo focused on making sure her family lived life to the fullest, encouraging education, sports, travel, and personal responsibility. She was always determined to put family first and keep them close. 

In her later years, Jo spent as much time as possible with her grandchildren, golfing, and traveling with friends and family. Her travels included Europe, Australia, Mexico, and across the United States. Jo was also religious and a part of the Saint John's Church community for years.

Jo is survived by her beloved husband Bob; three children, Joe, Jeff (and Karen), and Cynthia Frey; her two step-children, Larry and Mike Taylor; her sister and brother-in-law Linda and Denis Ragan; her nieces Carol Palmer, Lori Geraty (Joe), and Lisa Hall (Mike); and her six grandchildren, Aaron Mason, and Leona, Joe, Madelyn, Connor, and Jack Frey. Her passing has left a hole in the family that will never be filled.

A Memorial Mass will be held on August 19, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John's in Folsom. Donations to your favorite charity  in lieu of flowers.

(published on Aug. 10, 2017 in The Sacramento Bee, Legacy.com)