10 June 1934 - 15 January 2026

Surrounded by her large and loving family, Josele Taylor passed away peacefully at her home in Hubbard on January 15, 2026 following a series of strokes.

A fifth generation descendant of early Oregon pioneers, Josele L. Mackey was born in Lebanon, Oregon to Loren C. and Mildred E. (Thomas) Mackey on June 10, 1934. She lived her early years among a large extended family who gathered regularly for Sunday dinners, birthdays and holidays. In 1937, the family moved to Salem where Josele attended Highland Elementary, Parrish Jr. High, and graduated from Salem High School in 1952.

On July 8, 1952, she married John Robert Taylor, son of Robert D. and Hope (St. John) Taylor at the Calvary Baptist Church in Salem. Together they had three daughters: Carrie, Debbie and Peggy. Josele was employed as a teller at Ladd & Bush Bank in Salem where she learned invaluable business skills which served her a lifetime. In 1964, John and Josele opened Taylor Honda Sports in Woodburn as a husband-wife team. Josele handled the business and financial side while John managed the mechanical operations, together creating a successful partnership that served the community for 56 years until the shop's closing in 2020. "The Shop" was a staple in the community — with customers ranging from local farmers spanning several generations, to those stopping by for a pit stop on their country road ride. Their focus was creating caring relationships with their customers which led to frequent drop-ins from their patrons to just say hello.

John and Josele purchased their Hubbard home in 1977 to be nearer their business. The Hubbard house became the gathering place of many holidays, family reunions, celebrations and pool parties for kids, grandkids and great-grandkids. In winter, weekends often meant the family was off to the mountains for ski trips to Hoodoo and Mt. Bachelor. After a magical 1981 New Year's family ski trip, Josele purchased vacation homes in Sunriver, Oregon, which became another beloved place of gathering and celebrating. There was no greater happiness for Josele than to be in nature and near the fire with her daughters and their families.

Through her quiet steadfastness, Josele supported her family, encouraged their education, and offered advice. Above all, she created space for family to gather, living her values of faith, independence, fairness, and hard work.

Survivors include her husband of nearly 74 years, John R. Taylor of Hubbard, Oregon, three daughters Carrie Taylor (Richard Roman), Debbie Baker (John Baker), and Peggy Taylor, 9 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, a sister, Vergene Moore of Albany, as well as cousins, many nieces, nephews, and friends.

A private graveside service for the family will be held in Lebanon. A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later time. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Josele's honor to The Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory: SNCO.org, donate button, in memory of Josele Taylor or The Salvation Army: give.salvationarmyusa.org. Arrangements by Simon-Cornwell Funeral Home in Woodburn.