Shelburne, MA – Marion Jane Taylor of Shelburne MA passed away peacefully at home on February 23, 2026, after a period of failing health. Marion was the daughter of Eli H & Julia (Howland) Felton and grew up in Pittsfield MA, graduating from Pittsfield High in 1950.
During high school and college she was an active girl scout, working as the waterfront director and then camp director at Camp Marion White in Richmond MA. While in high school she won a school safety contest securing a $2,000 scholarship that greatly aided her plan to attend UMass Amherst where she graduated with a B.A. in history. After college, Marion taught at Chester MA High School, then returned to UMass as the Assistant to the Protestant Chaplain at UMass, and in 1959 became the Executive Director of the Franklin County Girl Scout Council which brought her to Greenfield MA. It was there she met her future husband Gordon E. Taylor with whom she shared sixty-four years of marriage.
A devoted mom and grandmother, Marion was masterful at creating activities that harnessed the energy of young minds whether in her teaching, girl scouting, Sunday school, and especially with her own sons and grandchildren. Known by her grandchildren as Mimi, she lavished attention on them by watching music and dance performances, attending sports events of all kinds, endless card and game playing, and baking the best grape pie, cinnamon rolls, and cream puffs around.
Described as a “dynamic community leader” Marion positively impacted many community organizations in the area through her dedicated work and leadership. Recognized as the Franklin County Citizen of the Year in 1990, her volunteer work included serving on the 1983 committee to restore the Bridge of Flowers in Shelburne Falls, chair of the Shelburne School Committee and later the Mohawk Trail Regional School Committee, founding member of the Mary Lyon Foundation, active participant in the Shelburne Falls Women’s Club, First Congregational Church, and local Girl Scouting. As a member and former President of Shelburne Grange #68, she served in various roles of community service for the Connecticut Valley Pomona Grange and Massachusetts State Grange as well.
Marion joined her husband as an insurance agent and business manager at the Blackmer Insurance Agency in Shelburne in 1980. She is credited with leading a revitalization of the village of Shelburne Falls, working with such other local icons as Marvin Shippee, Larry Rancourt, George Needham, Rolland Gifford, Mike McCusker, and many more in the Shelburne Falls Area Business Association, and also inspiring new programs at Memorial Hall, the Senior Center Foundation, and Shelburne Falls Visitors Center.
Somewhere, somehow, in her spare time, Marion also took time for creativity, enjoying oil painting, cultivating and caring for her flower gardens, and arranging those flowers into bouquets which brightened many lives.
Marion is survived by her husband Gordon; sister Doris Felton of Lenox; two sons, John and his wife Sherry of Shelburne MA, and James and his wife Erin of Annandale VA, and grandchildren
Emma, Joshua, Matthew, William and Joseph, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her parents and brothers William and George.
A celebration of life will be held for this special lady on March 14th at the First Congregational Church of Shelburne UCC, 21 Church Common Rd in Shelburne at 11AM. Calling hours are scheduled for the evening of March 13th, 5-7PM, at the Smith Kelleher Funeral Home, 40 Church Street in Shelburne Falls, a brief Grange Memorial Service will follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes contributions to the Mary Lyon Foundation, PO Box 184, Shelburne Falls MA 01370; the Bridge of Flowers, PO Box 335, Shelburne Falls MA 01370; the First Congregational Church of Shelburne, 21 Church Common Rd, Shelburne MA 01370; or another charity of your choice.
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