Below is an obituary from Nichols Funeral Home:
WILMINGTON, MA — Phyllis A. Taylor (Cannizaro), age 88, a longtime resident of Wilmington, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family, on September 23, 2025.
Phyllis was born in Medford, MA, on February 27, 1937. She was the cherished daughter of the late Phillip and Mary “Mae” (Bucci) Cannizaro. Raised and educated in Medford, Phyllis was part of a large and loving Italian family; she first began to cultivate her lifelong love of dancing as a tap dancer throughout her early years.
In 1956, Phyllis married the love of her life, James “Jim” Taylor Jr. Together, they began their life in Medford, where they welcomed four children: James, Kenneth, Laurie, and Ronald. In 1968, the family moved “up country” to Wilmington, where Phyllis quickly embraced her new community, made many dear friends, and built a warm and welcoming home.
Phyllis was truly devoted to her family. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose life revolved around those she loved most. She was known for her kindness, sweet nature, and unwavering generosity. Her home was a hub of celebration and joy—especially during the holidays—and she loved to entertain, always ensuring everyone felt welcome and well-fed. An extraordinary cook, Phyllis brought people together with her delicious meals and loving spirit.
For many years, Phyllis worked as a merchandise selector and marketer for the Marshalls Distribution Center, where she was a dedicated and respected employee. Outside of work, she was a proud long-time member of both the Sons of Italy and the Red Hat Ladies. She brought enthusiasm and energy to every gathering and continued to enjoy dancing well into her later years.
Phyllis was the beloved wife of the late James R. Taylor Jr., and the devoted mother of James R. Taylor III of Wilmington, Kenneth R. Taylor and his wife Carrie of Maine, Laurie Smith and her husband Kevin of Billerica, and Ronald R. Taylor and his fiancée Jessie Wilkes of Wilmington. She was the loving “Gramma” of Jimmie IV, Donnie, the late Zachary, Samuel, Libby, Noah, Naomi, Nicole, Jonathan, Dylan, Haley, and great-grandmother of Jimmie V, Logan, Donald, Cayden, Mason, Owen, Jason, Ryland, Liam, Beckett, Finnagan, Rosie, Tommy, and Benjamin. Phyllis was the dear sister of Richard Cannizaro and his wife Jane of Wilmington, and the late Marsha DiPietro and her late husband Frank. She is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, and extended family members who held a special place in her heart.
Family and friends are invited to gather for Visiting Hours at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, MA, on Saturday, October 25th from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. immediately followed by a Graveside Service at Wildwood Cemetery, 233 Middlesex Ave., Wilmington, MA.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Phyllis’ memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit: www.nicholsfuneralhome.com.
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