Pauline "Polly" (Stevens) Taylor

Polly Jeanette Stevens Taylor passed on August 13, 2015 surrounded by her family, whom she dearly loved and was loved by. She was born July 27, 1915 in Ransonville, New York. Her father, Harry, was a Baptist Pastor; her mother, Mary, a strong partner with deep devotion to the sacredness of love, family and children.

Early in life, Polly's personality was full of enthusiasm and creative thinking. Her teen years were full of rules and fun in Hillsdale, Michigan, where she graduated from high school. She knew she would have a disciplined and an amazing life. Even as a young girl with two older brothers, Polly was spunky and adventurous, deciding to learn something new every day. She read the Bible cover to cover, studied world religions, world history and kept a journal of poetry. She graduated from Michigan Agricultural College (MSU) along with her husband, John, in 1937.

Polly reminded her family to live lives of open-mindedness, good wits and humor. To honor the sacredness and beauty of every single day and to treasure the joys of family and friends. Polly was an amazing mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, photographer, wedding planner and simply amazing!

Polly and John Taylor were married for 62 years, rarely separated, until John's passing in 1998.

Together they established Capital Florist, successfully nurturing it for over 30 years before passing the reins of ownership to their son, Thom. Thom and his wife, Lynne, continued the proud Taylor tradition of hard work and customer satisfaction until Thom's untimely passing in 2012. In retirement John and Polly traveled the world, visiting more than 60 countries.

Polly is survived by her three daughters, Barbara Mehwald of Oberlin, Ohio; Sandy (Bob) Charameda of Payson, Arizona and Teresa (David) McCleery of Battle Creek. She is also survived by daughter-in-law Lynne (Thom) Taylor; 15 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren and seven great great-grandchildren.

Polly was active all of her 100 years, donating time to the P.T.A., Red Cross Volunteer, Tri Hi Y, Art Center of Battle Creek, Women's League and several other organizations. Polly was perhaps best known for her design work and wedding consultation work at Capital Florist.

Polly was a lifelong fitness advocate who exercised daily. After moving to NorthPointe Woods, she continued her fitness regimen, including teaching classes in the facilities' exercise center.

A celebration of her life will be held Saturday, October 17, 2015 at the Capital Florist Meeting Hall from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m, 19615 Capital Avenue, NE, Battle Creek, MI 49017. Arrangements by the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home and Cremation Care. Memorial donations may be made to the Music Center of Battle Creek or the Leila Arboretum Society. Envelopes may be picked up at Polly's celebration of life or at the funeral home. Personal remembrances for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.