MCCULLOCH-TAYLOR, Shelagh Frances, B.A., B. Ed., M. Div.
August 23, 1938 - March 19, 2024
Survived by sons, Kevin and Mike Taylor (Stephanie); and beloved grandchildren, Dylan, Liam, and, Cassie; Cara and Jacqueline Todd; Jaden Taylor Higgins; and great-grandson, Taylor Todd Henneberry. Also sister, Susan Richardson and sister-in-law, Norma Rockwood Mcculloch; niece, Sarah Richardson (Bill, Liam and Ella); nephews, Patrick and David Mcculloch; and great niece, Liliana Mcculloch. Predeceased by sons, Sean Francis (1964-1965) and Patrick Mayno Taylor (1962-1980), and brother, Kim. T . Mcculloch (1942-2014). Born in Hamilton, ON in 1938 to Irene (nee Fitzsimons) and Harvey F. Mcculloch Q.C. Attended Central Public School, Ryerson Senior Public (where she received awards for history and art) and Westdale High, graduating in 1956. Married T. Mayno Taylor in 1960, completing B.A. Carleton University shortly thereafter, followed by B. Ed. from Dalhousie University. While raising a family of four boys she explored her artistic talent through drawing and the medium of enamel on copper creating unique jewelry and decorative plaques. These were sold (accompanied by fellow artist Frances Beis) at local craft markets. Shelagh also served as a hospice volunteer in Halifax hospitals and initiated the formation of a Support Group for Bereaved Parents through the IWK in the 1980's. This group continues today. 1983 opened the door to living for six years in the residence at Atlantic School of Theology in Halifax where her calling to the ministry was discovered. Raised as an Anglican, Shelagh joined the United Church of Canada which ordained her in 1989. Nevertheless, she remained always an explorer in terms of spirituality and religion. After serving as a student minister with fellow student Kim Macaulay at Nappan-Maccan-Fenwick Pastoral Charge she was called to Forbes Memorial pastoral charge churches of Kings Loch Katrine, Lochaber and Country Harbour in 1989 where she served until retirement in 1996. Retirement enabled indulgence in some new pursuits becoming an avid gardener and bird watcher. At her cottage she could often be seen swimming, or canoeing on the Lake, or curled up on a porch chair with a murder mystery or perhaps a collection of poems like her mother before her. In 2007 Shelagh suffered catastrophic kidney failure (AGBM) which resulted in 3 years dialysis at the QE2 in the winters and at St. Martha's hospital in Antigonish in the summers. In 2010 she received the most remarkable precious and generous gift from dear sister Susan - a kidney! Both recovered extremely well and enjoyed many years of good health thereafter. Shelagh did not consider herself a ‘‘good traveller’’ usually preferring home to sight seeing in distant places. Notable exceptions were the European adventure with life-long friend Helen Howard in the 1950's, Nashville in the 90's with friend Freeman Roach with whom delight in classic country music was shared. More recently she enjoyed a river cruise with sister Susan through France and a tour of Western Newfoundland with best friend Cathy. Shelagh moved from Antigonish back to Halifax in in 2020 to live with her son Kevin, dog, Yoda and beloved cat, Patchy. Family extend gratitude to caregivers, her son, Kevin Taylor and her faithful friend, Cathy Taylor for their boundless support. Recommended Charitable Donations to Red Cross, S.P.C.A., or Trinity United Church, Timberlea. Service will be held at Trinity United Church in Timberlea at 11:30 a.m., Thursday, March 28th.