The Reverend Canon Mary Ann De Metsenaere Taylor, 88, died on November 6, 2024, at her home in Frankfort, Maine.  Mary Ann was predeceased by her husband, Carter.  She is survived by his children, Peter and Lynn Taylor, and by many beloved cousins.

Mary Ann was born in Newark NY, the only child of Achiel and Emma (Hurley) De Metsenaere. Throughout her life she recalled happy summers spent with nearby cousins and swimming in Sodus Bay.  Upon graduating from The College of New Rochelle she became a member of the order of the Sisters of Mercy and taught at Our Lady of Mercy High School.

After ten years, she left the order, joined the Episcopal Church and became Director of Personnel at St. John Fisher College in Rochester where she met and married her husband. She then earned a Master of Divinity degree from Bexley Hall Episcopal Seminary at Colgate Rochester Divinity School and became the Rector at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Honeoye Falls. In 1994, she and Carter followed their lifelong dream and moved to Maine. There, she became the Rector at St. James Episcopal Church in Old Town. After retiring from St. James in 2007, she and Carter moved to Frankfort Maine where she was soon called out of retirement by the Bishop to serve at three area Maine parishes, finally retiring at the age of 80.

Mary Ann was admired for her deep wisdom, erudite sermons, scholarly discernment, clear judgment, and for imaginative storytelling which enhanced parishioners’ understanding of Christianity. Over the years, she mentored and supported many women who had overcome addiction, earning their lifelong gratitude.

Gifts may be made in her memory to St. Margaret’s Church, 95 Court St., Belfast, Maine 04915, where a service will be celebrated on December 12th at 10 a.m.