Patricia A. (Latka) Taylor

Patricia A (Latka) Taylor 1947 - 2024

Pat, wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away on Saturday, April 20th after a long battle with cancer. Daughter of Valerian and Regina Latka, she leaves behind William, her husband of 54 years, her son Kevin and his partner Lisa Malanson, daughter Karyn and her husband Craig Stevens and grandson Beckett. Also, her loving cousin David Mitowski and his wife Christine plus many nieces and nephews.    

Several years ago, Pat was blessed with the discovery of her biological siblings. Her sisters Donna Geyer and husband Klaus, Susan Roberts and husband Hal, Tona Priddy and husband Ron and her brother Gordon Carmichael and his wife Donna. 

After graduating from Easthampton High School in 1965, Pat continued her education at American International College where she was class salutatorian, earning a B.A. in mathematics in 1969. A math teacher for over forty years, she began her public-school teaching career at Dedham High School before returning to the area and teaching at Hopkins Academy, Smith Academy, and Easthampton High School. She retired from Frontier Regional High School in 2005 after 17 years of service and received the Mathwest Teacher of the Year award in Mathematics. Pat then became the Math Chair at The Fessenden School in West Newton for several years. In 1999, Pat became a National Board-Certified Teacher in Mathematics/Adolescence and Young Adulthood. In 2008 she received the H.J. vonderGoltz Prize for excellence in teaching. Pat believed there were no bad kids, only students who could be challenging.

Pat was a communicant of Saint Bonaventure Church in Plymouth, MA.

A private ceremony will be held for the immediate family.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Patricia A. (Latka) Taylor, please visit our floral store.