Kay Taylor

Kay was the beloved wife to Michael, mother to Claire & Richard, mother-in-law to Chris & Holly, nannie to Isabelle, George, James & Joshua, sister to Jessie, Pat & Eileen and sister-in-law to Lesley, Margaret and Rosie, auntie to many and loved by all her family.

Mum sadly passed away on the 8th August 2021, aged 74 years, in hospital. She was first diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in June 2018, and in October 2018 had 70% of her pancreas removed. This was followed by 8 months of chemotherapy. In November 2020, following a scan, they found the pancreatic cancer had returned. This time it was inoperable, and she was given 6-12 months to live. Despite undergoing more chemo, she experienced setbacks: blood clots, DVT, and became allergic to the chemo. She faced these challenges head on and remained resilient, hoping to start to radiotherapy in mid August 2021.

At the age of 20, mum joined the Special Constabulary and earnt a long service award for 18 years of service. Mum joined the International Voluntary Service, raising funds and working with the local elderly community, through this she met Michael, on a local midnight charity work. In June 2021, they celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary.

Mum was a key part of village life, establishing the local playgroup, participating in fundraising activities. A member of the local primary school Parents' Teachers Association (PTA) and the Treasurer to the PTA. She would also audit books for local organisations. In the early 1980s, she took over running the local post office, which she did for 26 years, before the family business was sold. Despite, retiring mum continued to work supporting other local post offices until her cancer diagnosis in January 2020. She loved this job to the full and regretted having to give it up.

Throughout her life, she had a love of sewing, reading, walking, cycling, doing word puzzles and jigsaws as well as spending time looking after her grandchildren. Since retiring, mum and dad enjoyed travelling the world, being bitten by the cruising bug, and introducing us to it, when we celebrated her 70th birthday on a Norwegian Fjord cruise. She has visited countless (65+) countries.

Mum was one of the kindest, strongest, and bravest women we know. She has clearly touched the lives of so many people who knew her. We have much to be thankful for and we will miss her dearly. Mum, we will never forget you and you will always be in our hearts and memories. xxx

Like many others, with pancreatic cancer, she never deserved the pain and suffering she experienced. As a family, we want to support Pancreatic Cancer UK in any way we can in mum’s memory.

We are grateful for you taking the time to read mum’s story and considering a donation. Thank You!