Rosemary M. Taylor, who recently returned to the Vineyard from visiting her granddaughter Ayana Kelley and great-grandsons Jelani and Kahari Daniel in Bowie, Md., died peacefully in her sleep at the home of her daughter and son in law, Cheryl and Mansfield Neal, on July 9, 2009.

She was born in Philadelphia, Pa., on July 29, 1927 and her late parents were Joshua and Susie Matthis. She married James F. Taylor in 1941 and they became the proud parents of three daughters: Winifred (Toni) Ford, Cheryl Neal and Phyllis Taylor. Rosemary was a full-time working mother who as a secretary developed a strong desire for further education. She received her bachelor of arts degree with honors in economics from the University of Pennsylvania and was vastly instrumental in promoting higher education and professional careers for her daughters. Shortly after receiving her degree, Rosemary was hired as an economist by the United States Department of Labor where she worked until her retirement in 1989. She spent all of her life in Philadelphia before coming to the Vineyard to reside with the Neals in 2003.

Rosemary had a brilliant mind, sharp as a rapier, coupled with charm, wit and a dazzling smile. She perfected her skills in bridge, becoming a tournament player and Life Master. She was a welcome addition and sought-after partner for many of the bridge players on the Island. One of her other avocations was solving the daily and Sunday New York Times crossword puzzles.

She is survived by her daughters, Cheryl and husband Mansfield Neal; Winifred and husband Melvin Ford; and Phyllis Taylor; six grandchildren, David and Jonathan; Regan; Ayana, Ketema and Adenike; and five great-grandchildren.

The memorial service of remembrance will be held Saturday, July 18 at 3 p.m. at Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home, Edgartown Vineyard Haven Road in Oak Bluffs. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Rosemary M. Taylor to the Martha’s Vineyard Cancer Support Group, Inc, P.O. Box 2214, Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts, 02568, or Fresh Start for Women, Inc., P.O. Box 370681, Decatur, GA, 30037.