Carolyn “Lynn” Hallett Taylor was born in McKeesport, PA on December 9,1933 to Agnes and Dudley Vance Hallett. She died peacefully surrounded by family on September 16, 2025 at the age of 91. Preceding her in death were her parents, her beloved husband of 64 years William “Bill” Sr., brothers Samuel Fulton, Thomas Hallett and son-in-law Keith Morrison. She is survived by her children Bill (Lisa), Mary Ann Rowe (Keith), Carol Morrison, 7 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.
Lynn graduated from St. Francis School of Nursing in Pittsburgh, PA in 1954. Her nursing career spanned more than 60 years beginning at St. Francis Hospital, then to Halifa x Hospital in Daytona Beach, FL, and finally to Riverside Regional Medical Center in Newport News, VA where she worked in the Emergency Room and at the School of Nursing. She also worked as a nurse for NASCAR while in Daytona Beach and would take her son to work at little events like the Daytona 500.
After moving to Newport News in 1972 with her family, she continued her education, graduating with a Master's Degree from Old Dominion University in 1984. This enabled her to teach nursing courses at Riverside School of Nursing, Old Dominion University and Christopher Newport College (now Christopher Newport University). During this time, she started working at Busch Gardens Williamsburg at the park First Aid Station. After retiring from Riverside Hospital in 1997, she continued to work at Busch Gardens until 2017 when she retired after 32 years of service at the age of 84. Working at Busch enabled her to keep nursing while at the same time she and Bill traveled the world. Her family joked that she worked so late in life simply to avoid housework but she was dedicated to caring for others and that’s what drove her. She loved being able to help.
While her career was a large part of her life, it wasn’t the most important part. Lynn lived for her beloved husband Bill, her kids, grandkids and extended family and friends. She loved family and friends getting together for parties, holidays or just to enjoy a glass of wine at Happy Hour. She never met a stranger. She loved to sit down and talk to anyone.
Her Catholic faith was another very important part of her life. She even took college courses on religion in order to deepen her faith. She and Bill were devoted and active members of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Newport News, VA for over 50 years serving in various ministries at the church throughout those years. A very important ministry to her was their Outreach Social Ministry where she served for over 10 years until she was nearly 91 years old.
Visitation will be held at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Newport News, VA on September 26, 2025 at 10:30, Funeral Mass at 11:30. Interment at Peninsula Memorial Park will follow at 1:00. There will be a reception at her home after the interment. In lieu of flowers, please consider making contribution to Our Lady of Mt Carmel’s Outreach Ministry.