Obituary of Helen K. Taylor

Helen Knauf Taylor, 87, passed away on January 30th, 2017 at home surrounded by family. She was born February 3rd, 1929 in Binghamton, New York. Always an excellent musician, she entered Juilliard in 1947 pursuing a Bachelors of Science in organ performance. Helen met her husband Robert Taylor while they were both students. Shortly after their graduation in 1952, they were married. Even while moving from state to state, Helen continued playing church organ while teaching private organ and piano lessons and in 1960 became an Associate of the American Guild of Organists (AAGO). Finally in January of 1964 Robert and Helen settled in Glassboro, New Jersey, where Robert began teaching music at Glassboro State College. Helen served Clayton Presbyterian as an organist for six years, Pitman Presbyterian for four years, and served Wenonah Presbyterian as director of music, choir director, and organist for twenty-one years. She juggled her career, innumerable performances and recitals, and motherhood with aplomb. Helen is survived by her two sisters, Eunice Combs and Shirley Knauf, and her brother, Fredrick "Charlie" Knauf (Barbara) as well as her four children: Deborah Cervino (Michael), Diane Taylor, Denise Linderman (Charles), and David Taylor (Lori); five grandchildren: Adrienne Bailey (Clarence), Justin Newell (Kristen), Kristen Linderman (Brett), Kyle Linderman, and Benjamin Taylor; and five great-grandchildren: Gabrielle Bluford, Nicholas and Ryan Newell, and Evelyn and Isabella Bailey. There will be a viewing at Kelley Funeral Home 125 Pitman Ave, Pitman NJ 08071 on February 3rd from 7:00 – 9:00pm. A second viewing will take place on Saturday, February 4th at the Woodbury Heights Presbyterian Church 335 Elm Ave, Woodbury Heights NJ 08097 from 9:45 – 10:45am, followed by a funeral service at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, please send any donations to Southwest Jersey Chapter AGO c /o: Gail Gassaway, 241 Night Hawk Circle West Deptford NJ, 08086.