Waterloo – Elner Jean Taylor, 80, of 4 West Wright Ave., died Thursday (August 16, 2012) in Huntington Living Center in Waterloo.

Friends may call from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday (Aug. 21) at Coe-Genung Funeral Home in Waterloo.  The funeral service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday (Aug. 22) at the funeral home.  Rev. David Mihalyi, rector, of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, will officiate.  Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery in Waterloo.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 101 E. William St., Waterloo, 13165 or Phi Beta Psi – Alpha Beta Chapter, Linda Millliman, Treasurer, 1269 Marshall Rd., Waterloo, 13165.

Elner was born Feb. 2, 1932 in Ridgway, PA, the daughter of James and Monica Parish.  She was a 1949 graduate of Cameron County High School.  After graduation, she began employment with Sylvania Electric in Emporium, PA.  While working in Emporium, she met her husband, John.  Later, they moved to Waterloo to work at Sylvania in Seneca Falls.  Elner worked a number of years for Sylvania which became Philips Display Components Company.    She retired in January 1990 as Administrative Assistant to the President of Philips.

Elner was a long time member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church where she was Director of the Junior Choir and member of the Episcopal Church Women.  She was a member of the Alpha Beta Chapter of the Phi Beta Psi Sorority which raises money for Cancer Research.  For several years, she served as Writer and Editor of the Alpha Beta Chapter Informational Booklet which involved research and donation of time and materials.  In 2003, she was the recipient of the National Editor’s Award of the Phi Beta Psi Sorority for outstanding dedication and service.

Elner was beloved to her family, to the community, and beyond.  She shared her gifts of humor, creativity, generosity, and compassion freely.  Her sharp sense of humor and hopeful spirit touched countless lives.  She had a strong faith in God.  She followed the highest standards in her work and excelled at all she took on.  She was equally talented musically and artistically, and was an avid reader.  Her example of fierce determination, resilience, and perseverance continues to be an inspiration to all who knew her.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 60 years, John C. Taylor; sons, John (Stacy) Taylor of Farmington and James (Jodie) Taylor of Las Vegas, Nevada; daughter, Joyce (Raymond) Taylor McClary of Meshoppen, PA; grandchildren, Brianna (Ryan) Detwiler and Jesse Taylor; great-granddaughter, Kendal Detwiler; brother, James (Marion) Parish, Sr. of Montoursville, PA; sister, Char Zuback of Emporium, PA; many special nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by a daughter, Jan Marie Taylor, May 28, 1972.