SKOWHEGAN – Shirley B. (LaGross) Taylor passed from this world at the home of her granddaughter on Friday, March 6, 2026, two days after celebrating her 89th birthday with one last bite of ice cream.

Shirley was born in Skowhegan on March 4, 1937, daughter of Leroy Sr. and Eveline (Cromwell) LaGross. She was raised one of nine children in Harmony Maine.

Shirley met her one true love, Herman Taylor in 1952. They were married three years later and were inseparable for the next 68 years until Herman’s passing in 2023. Together, they raised their three children while working sewing shoes for area shoe companies.

After retiring from hand sewing, Shirley and Herman travelled the East Coast in their RV, stopping to enjoy any bluegrass festivals they happened near. They retired from travelling back to Skowhegan where they spent every moment possible with their grandchildren.

Shirley is survived by one brother, Arthur LaGross and his wife Jeannie of Skowhegan; one son, Kevin Taylor and his wife Pamela of Waterville, one daughter, Melody Avery and her husband Leslie of Waterville, daughter-in-law, Katie Taylor and Brandon of Augusta; grandchildren Amy, Whitney, Joslyn, Joel, Ryan, Emily, Jake, and Anna; and great-grandson, Cody; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Verlene Brackley, Margaret Burton, Doreen Bowley, brothers Frazier LaGross, Leroy LaGross, Jr., Durwood LaGross, and Orland LaGross; and beloved son, Kent Taylor.

A graveside service will be held in the spring at the family plot in Athens.