Leslie Taylor-Simo

All who knew Leslie Taylor would agree that she was truly beautiful on the inside and out. She was someone who thought of others first and foremost, and her devotion to her loved ones was unmatched. Life wasn’t always easy for Leslie, but she faced whatever came her way with a graceful courage and a quiet strength that were such an inspiration to everyone who knew her. Although she accomplished much of which to be proud, she was a humble woman who focused on what she could do for others in ways both great and small. Deeply loved, Leslie will be forever missed.

The 1970s were an eventful time in American history. In many ways the disharmony of the 1960s spilled over into this decade, but there was also new and exciting things to focus on as we were on the brink of the age of technology. Shows like Green Acres, The Brady Bunch, and Dallas entertained us while progressive rock came onto the scene. It was amidst this exciting time that Tom and Nancy Taylor were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby as the beauty of spring unfolded in May of 1978. Their wait was over on May 14th when the baby girl they named Leslie Ann drew her first breath. Although she was born in Lima, Ohio, Leslie was raised in Elida, Ohio and Canton, Michigan. Her father worked for Ford Motor Company while her mother was a secretary as well as the best mom ever.

In many ways Leslie was a young girl of her generation. For Christmas in 1978, she received a teddy bear she named “Huggie,” and from that point forward Huggie was her companion for every hospital visit, dialysis treatment, and procedure of any kind. Leslie played softball and attended local schools. After graduating from Plymouth-Canton high school she attended Eastern Michigan University and Schoolcraft College, earning her bachelor’s in psychology with art history minor and her master’s degree in social work.

Life was an adventure when Leslie was around. She and her best friend, Amber (Bo) were speeding one evening to so they wouldn’t miss their favorite show, Golden Girls. A police officer pulled them over and asked why they were speeding. Leslie replied to the officer, asking him if he really wanted to know the truth. When he said he did, she answered that they were speeding so they could get home in time to watch their favorite show, Golden Girls. After getting their information, the officer let them go, telling them, “Enjoy the Golden Girls.” Leslie loved art and art history, and she also loved makeup. She had dreams of traveling to Italy, and although she didn’t ever make it there she loved when Amber(Bo) did live streams with her when Amber was stationed there. Leslie collected dragons, and she volunteered with veterans, volunteered at Victory Gym VHC, and was also passionate about organ donation.

Throughout her life there was nothing of greater importance than the people she loved. She was an amazing mom to her fur babies including her kittens, Sadie May, Ozzie (“Butters”), and sugar sliders, Luke and Leia, as well as her previous kittens, Sammy, Tiger, Maggie and Romeo. Leslie looked forward to the annual family clam bakes, and her goddaughter, four-year-old Celia, held a special place in her heart. The standing joke was that Leslie might kidnap her! Her other four-year-old goddaughter, JoJo Blackshear, was very special to Leslie as well. Life was forever changed for Leslie when she met the love of her life. His name was Erich Simo, and it didn’t take them long to fall in love. With a desire to establish a life together Leslie and Erich were married at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas on April 21, 2012. She forever viewed her wedding day as the best day of her life.

Over the years Leslie was a woman of many interests. In addition to Golden Girls, she enjoyed watching Breaking Bad, Judge Judy, Dexter, and Night Court. Leslie was a Jeopardy fanatic, and she even auditioned to be a contestant on one occasion. When it came to music she liked the Mighty Mighty Bosstones and Foo Fighters, and her favorite books were true crime novels and anything by Ann Rule. Leslie’s favorite sports teams were the Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Tigers, and the University of Wisconsin Badgers.

With a life that spanned times of great change in the world around her, Leslie Taylor was a blessing to all who were near. She had a huge heart and always had room for everyone, and despite her own struggles she always wanted to do what she could to fix the problems of those around her. A genuine friend, Leslie was someone who never met a stranger, and her love for her family was easy to see. Life will never be the same without her here, but she leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that her loved ones will forever hold near and dear to their hearts.

Leslie Ann Taylor, of Canton, passed away on May 3, 2018. Loving wife of Erich Simo. Beloved daughter of Thomas and Nancy Taylor. Beloved sister of Amber Czerniawski and loved by many Aunts, Uncles, and cousins. Family will receive friends Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at Neely Turowski Funeral Home, 45100 Warren Rd. (West of Sheldon) where a memorial service will be held 12:00 p.m. Please sign the on-line guest book at www.TurowskiFuneralHome.com