Mara J. Taylor passed away on February 12, 2023.

Mara J. Taylor, 83, of Cottage Grove, Oregon passed away February 12, 2023 of Alzheimer’s disease. Mara was born March 26, 1939 in Spokane, Washington to parents Hans and Wanda Paulson. In 1957 Mara graduated from Tillamook High School. She taught swimming and was a lifeguard at Fairview in Salem, Oregon. She attended Willamette University of Education where she received her bachelor’s in education. She then earned her master’s degree from the University of Oregon in 1963. In 1964 Mara taught in Beaver, Tillamook, and Sheridan schools. 1971-1998 she worked in Cottage Grove where she retired after 36 years of teaching. Mara enjoyed reading, gardening, volunteering at Oasis, Senior Disabled Services, and at the Peace Health information desk. She really enjoyed having dinner with her friends. Mara belonged to the Moose Lodge in Junction City and was part of the St. Andrews Church in Cottage Grove. She is survived by her daughter Stephanie Boyd of Dorena, OR; daughter Erica Dunbar of Cottage Grove, OR; son John Burdick of Eugene, OR, 7 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Mara was preceded in death by her daughter Laura Foster and partner Linnis Jones. There will be no services at this time. Arrangements are in the care of Smith-Lund-Mills Funeral Chapel and Crematorium.