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.
22 Comments
I was so grateful to have had the chance to meet your mother when the three of us neighbors went to lunch together last year. She was such a breath of fresh air—kind, joyful, and easy to be around. I’ll always remember how much we all enjoyed ourselves that day.”
Beautiful remarks for a beautiful lady. Will be greatly missed. My second Mom. Loved her to pieces. 🤗💔
Lynn was a very special friend to me and my family. We loved her very much and she was a very good lady. Rest in peace Lynn love you.
Lynn was a wonderful woman that we knew and loved for 30+ years, as the mother of our dear sister in law, Mary Ann and mother-in law of our dear brother Keith. Lynn will be missed with her warmth and wit. Heaven has received an angel.
What a wonderful legacy Lynn left. There were so many nurses that were touched and guided by by Lynn’s love of nursing. What an extraordinary she was. I know I was a better nurse because I worked with Lynn at Riverside.
Rest in peace Lynn; your final shift is over.
Lynn, you were such an intelligent and strong force at RSPN. I feel honored to have known and worked with you. They just don’t make nurses like you anymore. You will be missed but never forgotten! God speed. Vicki P
Lynn was a beautiful caring nurse. She guided me through my ER experience at RH. There was never a dull moment when she was there. Shee has left her light for us to follow.
Lynn was a ray of sunshine. I loved talking to her after Mass and while her shift at Outreach Social Ministry was ending and mine with the Pregnancy Outreach was was beginning. She was feisty, kind, and sweet. Until the past year she was hard to keep up with.
The Lord took home a very sweet lady.
Lynn and Bill lifted my spirits while I was going through a terrible time, and Lynn helped me through the ODU bachelor’s program. Their warmth and hospitality will never be forgotten.
My heart goes out to you all! I will never forget your Mom/your grandma. She was really special and she loved you all so much! As a nurse she was a role model for me (& always will be) – she was what we call, a “Nurses’ Nurse!”
Bill and Lynn were just amazing people. I hope they are back together, loving each other now (and loving you all from above).
It is with deep sadness that I heard about the homegoing of Carolyn “Lynn” Hallett Taylor, the mother and mother-in-law of my dear friends and brother and sister in Christ, Bill and Lisa Taylor. I lift Bill and Lisa to the Lord in prayer and praise–prayer for the Lord to provide comfort and peace during this time of farewell and praise as I share their assurance that Carolyn is with her Father God.
Sending love to Bill and Lisa Taylor, and their extended family.
Dear Mary Ann,
I’m sorry to hear about the passing of your mother.
She was blessed to be in your care.
Take care,
Richard Snead
I had the opportunity to work some with Lynn while I was a nurse at Riverside hospital. She always had a smile and willingness to help others. What a privilege I had to work with her. Prayers for your family during this time of grief.
She was a very special customer at Mikes Place!
On behalf of the Ladies of Carmel I would like to extend our sincere condolences to the family. We will miss our Sister in Christ. “Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in all matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master’s joy.”
Lyn was a wonderful and delightful friend! She could make even the worst situation enjoyable! I will miss her laugh.
Ms. Lynn was a wonderful person.I enjoyed working with her. She felt more like family and I treated her like she was family. Ms. Lynn rest in peace and you will always be in my heart.
I so enjoyed the years I was able to work with Lynn at OLMC Outreach. No need to tell you what an extraordinary person she was. Her large family is in my prayers. I hope you take comfort in knowing how many people that you may not know loved her.m
I love and miss you grandma.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your dear loved one. May you find comfort and peace in God’s promise to wipe out every tear from their eyes and death will be no more. – Revelation 21:4 Condolences
There will never be another like Lynn – what a gracious, loving and kind lady she was. She was the imbodiment of love. Our loss is Heaven’s gain. Godspeed, dearest Lynn. ❤️😢