Helen Claire Anderson Taylor

Helen Claire Anderson Taylor, 87, of Albany, New York, passed away peacefully on October 6, 2026, surrounded by love. Born in 1938, in Hagerstown, Maryland, she was raised by Glendora Winfield and Robert Dayhoff in Silver Spring, Maryland. After graduating from Montgomery Blair High School, she pursued her lifelong passion for learning at the University of Maryland, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Education.

A natural educator with a deep sense of adventure, Helen took her talents overseas early in her career. She was among the first teachers at Seoul American Elementary School in South Korea, a pioneering institution established for the children of U.S. military personnel stationed overseas. While living abroad, she embraced the culture and delighted in exploring Asia on her weekends off, building a treasure trove of memories she would cherish for the rest of her life.

Upon returning to the United States, Helen adapted to the life of a military wife, moving across the country before finding a permanent home and community in Memphis, Tennessee. There, she dedicated over 20 years to teaching second grade at St. Ann’s Catholic School in Bartlett. Helen felt great pride in influencing the minds and hearts of many children, who often came back to visit and share their life achievements with her. Her warmth, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the community were so highly regarded, she was asked to serve as the school Assistant Principal.

Beyond the classroom, Helen’s life was enriched by a vibrant circle of friends. She found great joy and laughter in regular, animated games of Bunco with a tight-knit group of coworkers, and she was an equally enthusiastic Bridge player who shared countless hands with her family and colleagues.

Family, however, was the true joy of Helen’s life. She was the devoted mother of three children: John Anderson (Michele) of Bartlett, Tennessee; Robert Anderson of Denver, Colorado; and Claire Anderson of Niskayuna, New York. She was the incredibly proud grandmother of six: Virginia Woo (Jeong), Emily Anderson Kuespert (Ethan), Katie Anderson, Sara Anderson, Anna Johnson, and Patrick Johnson; and the great-grandmother to Evelyn Kuespert.

Later in life, Helen reconnected with Robert “Bob” Taylor of Madison Heights, Virginia, whom she had first met at church during their college days. The two married and enjoyed a close, supportive, companionship until his passing. In her retirement years in Memphis, Helen filled her days with the things she loved most: the company of close friends, traveling the world with her lifelong friend Maggie and her grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Glendora Dayhoff; her brother, John Dayhoff; her nephew, Collin Jones Dayhoff; and her husband, Robert Taylor. She leaves behind a lasting legacy through her children, grandchildren, great- granddaughter, and her surviving nieces, Morgan Dayhoff and Quinn Dayhoff of Raft Island, Washington.

Helen’s life was defined by her compassion, strength, curiosity, and an enduring love for learning and community. She touched countless lives, and her legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew her. Even when life threw immense challenges and unfair hardships her way, she was an incredible provider.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the staff at Daughters of Sarah Nursing Home. We are profoundly thankful for the tender care and comfort they provided to Helen over the past three years.

A Graveside Service will be held at the family plot in Rohrersville, Maryland, details to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations in Helen’s memory may be made to The Sister Connie Memorial Scholarship Fund at St. Ann’s Catholic School, 6529 Stage Road, Bartlett, TN 38134, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.