GUILDERLAND — “In the early hours of December 28, after a holiday filled with family, friends, and celebration, Evelyn Irene Taylor passed away peacefully with her family at her side,” her family wrote in a tribute. She was 98.

“She was born on Feb. 17, 1927 in Schenectady to Arthur Brust and Irene Wallard after which she was a lifelong resident of Guilderland and Altamont,” her family wrote. “Evelyn was grateful to have lived when she did, riding horses in the Pine Bush when all the roads were dirt, ice skating on the Black Creek, and speaking to people face to face or on the telephone (no texting!).

“She attended a one-room schoolhouse over a mile from her house to which she walked daily. She then attended Altamont High School.

“She married her ‘Big Moment,’ George Taylor, when she was 18 and he was 22, towards the end of World War II, in which he had served in the 8th Army Air Force. They honeymooned in Speculator, traveling with a milk can full of gas in the rumble seat due to rationing. They remained married for 68 years until his death.

“Evelyn was a very family-oriented person, raising her children and keeping in close touch with extended family. She was employed by the Albany Times Union, writing advertising copy for many years. She often said if she knew she was going to live so long she wouldn’t have retired so soon.

“She very much enjoyed their occasional trips out West or down South. Evelyn kept the following advice posted on her refrigerator: ‘Think Deeply, Speak Gently, Love Much, Laugh Often, Work Hard, Give Freely, Pray Earnestly, and Be Kind.’”

****

Evelyn Irene Taylor is survived by her daughter, Pat Whipple (Henry); her son, Gary Taylor (Erika); her grandchildren, Alan Whipple (Sarah), David (Cortnee), Melissa Forgette (Keegan), Jessica Abbott (Jason), Candice Patriquin; and her great-grandchildren, Chase, Kaiden, and Nathan Abbott; Owen, Hank, and Sam Whipple; Zeke and Kaireena Forgette; and Rhett Wood.

She is also survived by her dear friends, Lu, Josie, and Carol.

Her first son, Jack, died before her, as did her husband, George Taylor.

Family and friends are invited to visit with her family on Friday, Jan. 2, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. in the Fredendall Funeral Home at 199 Main St. in Altamont with a brief prayer service immediately following the visitation.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Schenectady City Mission, 425 Hamilton St., Schenectady, NY 12305 or to the Friends of the Pine Bush.