Our beautiful Taylor passed away on Friday May 22 after an unbelievably short battle with brain cancer, and none of this feels real. Taylor was born to Christine and Jeffrey Johnson on October 9, 1991. She was far too young, a mother who still had so much life to live, so many memories left to make, so much love left to give and now her son Landon has to learn how to navigate this world without his mama. He was her life, her purpose and her biggest and brightest joy. We will spend the rest of our lives making sure he never forgets how deeply she loved him and how brightly she loved all of us.

Taylor was pure light. She was the person who made everyone feel safe, welcome and loved. She would greet you with the warmest smile, the biggest hug and always made you feel like seeing you was the best part of her day. She never let you leave without saying “I love you.” She made sure people knew they mattered; she showed us how to love.

She had the most beautiful green eyes full of warmth, mischief and understanding all at once. She carried a magical, witchy spirit that made her feel almost otherworldly at times. She loved all the beautiful and meaningful things in life and took time to notice the small everyday natural wonders that make the world a softer place. Animals were drawn to her, and she was drawn to them. Music is part of her soul. Her smile was pure golden light. Even in her last moments, she had a smile for everyone and the memory of her laugh will be a comfort as we learn to live without her physical presence.

As a child Taylor was full of spirit and stubbornness; she said and did the most unexpected and funny things and then laughed at herself with her whole body. As an adult, she always wanted to be near her parents and family. She was a loving daughter who will carry a huge piece of Chris and Jeff’s hearts with her always. She treasured being a big sister to Paige and especially loved being an auntie to her favorite niece, Khambrya. She had a special bond with best friends (more like sisters) Katie and Sierra, and she considered her many cousins friends as well as family. Taylor had too many aunts and uncles to count, who all loved her immensely and often parented her long after she became an adult. She handled it with grace and humor. Taylor was a wonderful friend, an excellent listener, a sincerely kind person who carried no judgement in her heart, only love: open and genuine love.

If love is stronger than death, then Taylor is still with us. She’ll send us little signs when we need it most, through music, sunlight on our faces, sunflowers blooming unexpectedly or those quiet moments where you suddenly feel someone you love standing beside you. We love you so much Taylor, and hope that wherever you are, you know how much you impacted our lives and how truly loved you are.

Taylor is survived by her greatest love and son, Landon Hansen; her parents Christine and Jeffrey Johnson; her sister Paige (Everick) Simagna; niece Khambrya Simagna, Grandparents Betta Inman, Ron Baker, Sheila and Lee Harris, Duane and Darlene Johnson; and many Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and Friends who were all family to her.

Taylor is preceded in death by her Grandfather, Timothy Inman; Uncle, Bob Bernier; Aunt Julee Johnson, her Great Grandparents and many of her loving pets that we know were all there to welcome her light back into their presence.

We appreciate the outpouring of love and support from so many friends and family, special thanks to Katie for taking such beautiful care of our girl in her final weeks. In lieu of flowers, the family still has a go fund me set up and are welcoming donations to continue to help support Landon as he grows into the remarkable young man he is destined to become with his mother’s guided love from above: https://www.gofundme.com/f/surround-taylor-with-comfort-and-care

As the family mourns this sudden and deeply painful loss, they ask for grace and time to process their grief and make arrangements for a meaningful Celebration of Life that will truly honor Taylor. Details will be shared at a later date.