Virginia L. Taylor

Virginia “Ginny” Taylor, 84, made her ascent to heaven on April 3, 2023, in Rockford, Illinois. Born in Geneva, Iowa on April 14, 1938, daughter to Roy Held and June (McCorkle) Held. She graduated from Colwell High School in 1956. She was involved in many high school activities including cheerleading, playing the French horn, and 4-H. Ginny grew up in north central Iowa. It was there that she grew up into the person she was to become. Ginny grew up with four older brothers and she learned to play as tough as the boys. She was tough as nails! She had a strong moral center and always directed her children down the proper path.

She graduated from Allen Memorial School of Nursing in Waterloo, Iowa as a Registered Nurse in 1959. She graduated from OSF Saint Frances in McHenry in 1987 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She was a lifelong learner reading all the time and taking numerous classes and seminars.

On September 6, 1959, Ginny married Arnold “Arnie” Taylor Geneva, Iowa. They were married until 1993 when they divorced. Even after the divorce they remained friends and would help each other, especially as they grew older. They would both attend family activities for the holidays, special events or just because. July 4th, Thanksgiving and Christmas were her favorite holidays with her family.

She began her decades-long nursing career as a floor nurse at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City, IA. She and Arnie eventually settled in Rockford, Il where she was employed at Rockford Memorial Hospital. She soon transitioned to Occupational Health nursing in the manufacturing setting. She was later employed at Rockford Clutch, Twin-Disc, and Clinton Electronics. She worked at Twin-Disc for over 20 years up until they closed their Rockford, IL plant. During that time, she was the plant nurse helping staff with their medical needs. She was absolutely the best at removing even the smallest slivers from fingers and hands. She was also very good at helping employees and retirees navigate through their medical insurance claims.

After Twin-Disc, she went to work at Clinton Electronics in Loves Park, IL. She was the plant nurse and worked there for 15 years until the plant was closed. At this point in her life, she made a shift from Occupational Health to Public Health working with the poor and homeless. She went to work for Crusader Clinic in Rockford, IL and worked there for 15 years until retiring at age 75. While at Crusader, she worked at all three Rockford clinics. She really enjoyed and found joy in helping those in need. However, she could grow frustrated with those who were abusing the system or looking for a handout.

Ginny always enjoyed nursing and loved the science it entailed. She was always happy when she was able to provide comfort and care for those in need.

Her children were fortunate to have a live-in nurse at home. She was always there to help when they were sick or injured. She was there to help with schoolwork or find outside tutoring when needed. She made sure that both of her children grew up to be good swimmers, taking them to countless swimming lessons at the Rockford YMCA. She was also a Big Sister and was always willing to donate food, money and time to those in need.

Ginny is survived by those who loved her most, her children Rodney and LeaAnne Taylor; brothers Marvin (Lou) Held, Byron (Betty) Held, Garnet (Mary) Held and Curtis Held; grandchildren Alexander (Emily) Taylor, Nathaniel Taylor, and Elizabeth Taylor and her many nephews, and nieces. She is predeceased by former husband Arnie Taylor and her parents Roy and June Held.

The family would like to thank the staff of River Bluff Nursing Home for taking care of her while she was there for 23 months. We would also like to thank OSF Hospice staff and volunteer Ester for keeping her comfortable during her final weeks of life. Mom especially loved her stuffed “Maggie” westie given to her while in hospice!

A visitation will take place on Friday, April 14, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:30 a.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, Illinois 61108. At the conclusion of the service, extra flowers will be sent to the Cardinal Unit at the River Bluff Nursing Home so that Ginny can once again brighten the halls of the Cardinal Unit.