Connie Clara Taylor, age 77, of Manistee MI, died Saturday evening, April 18th,2026 surrounded by her loving family at Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids, MI.

She was born on July 20th, 1948 in Manistee, Michigan, the daughter of the late Floyd and Helen (Soller) Krusniak. She was a graduate of Manistee Catholic Central High School. Connie married Richard C. Taylor on August 9th, 1968 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Manistee MI.
During her 58 years of marriage, she worked at the local bank as a bank teller and a bank loan officer. She also worked at Manistee Abstract and Title Company.

Connie found joy in life's simple and meaningful moments. In her younger years, while raising her family, she loved painting ceramics, creating beautiful pieces with care and creativity. She cherished summer days, spent basking in the sun along the shores of Lake Michigan, where she felt at peace by the water.

Christmas was her favorite holiday, and she was delighted in making it special for those she loved, especially her grandchildren, who she adored spoiling. Whether shopping for Christmas gifts or picking out back to school clothes, she lived by one of her favorite sayings: "Shop till you drop' and she treasured those outings and memories.

One of her greatest joys was gathering around a table with family, neighbors, and friends. She loved going out to eat, whether it was a favorite dinner at Olive Garden, Red Lobster, or Applebee's, or visiting cherished local spots like The Bungalow and Big Al's Pizza. She especially treasured meeting neighbors and friends for a sandwich at Subway, turning ordinary meals into meaningful memories.

Connie also had a special love for animals, especially her beloved cats - Fiona, Sasha and Sweets - who brought her comfort, companionship, and joy. She cared for them deeply and they were a cherished part of her daily life and home.

Connie had a servant's heart and was a true disciple of God. From a young age, she was drawn to caring for others, always offering kindness, compassion and the willingness to help those in need. Her faith shaped her, and her love touched everyone blessed to have known her.

She survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Aaron and Jenna Taylor of Byron Center, MI and their children, Emma, Lily, Blake, Lauren and Alex. Her daughter and son-in-law, Shannon and Ryan Vallier of Vicksburg, MI and their children RJ, Braylen and Bo. Her brother and sister-in-law, Harlan "Dassy" and Debra Krusniak of Manistee, MI; Two brothers-in-law and sisters-in- law, Rev. Kim and Melody Taylor of Tucson, AZ and Mark and Sherri Taylor of Marco Island, FL.  Numerous nieces and nephews also survive her.

Connie was also preceded in death by her parents Floyd "Frycakes" Krusniak and Helen (Soller) Krusniak and by her Father-in-law and mother-in-law, Robert and Esther (Christensen) Taylor.

Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Thursday, May 28th, 2026 at 11:00am at St. Joesph Catholic Church in Manistee, with Reverend  James Bearss celebrant. Burial will follow at Mount Carmel Cemetery in Manistee. The family will receive family and friends on Thursday morning, one hour prior to the funeral Mass. A funeral luncheon will follow at the St. Joseph Catholic Church Parish Center, after graveside services.  The Herbert Funeral Home of Manistee is in charge of arrangements.