Edith Colleen Taylor Van Woerkom, 91, an elegant, beautiful, kind woman, and a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2026, in the company of her loving family and those who cherished her.

Edith was born on September 23, 1934, in Provo, Utah, to Bacle David Taylor and Ruth Harper Taylor. She was the youngest of six children, with four older brothers and one older sister, all of whom she loved dearly. Edith grew up on Center Street in Provo, where she enjoyed a childhood surrounded by family and friends. As a young girl, she loved dancing and riding her bike all around town. She learned the value of hard work and caring for others early in life as she tended neighborhood children and helped tidy and clean the homes of the families she worked for, quickly becoming someone families trusted and relied upon.

She attended both primary and secondary schools in Provo before briefly attending Brigham Young University, where she also danced as a Cougarette. It was during freshman orientation that she first met Norm Van Woerkom. Norm had recently returned home from serving a mission and happened to be in the same orientation group. Edith was wearing a red sweater that immediately caught Norm’s eye, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Not long after meeting, Edith and Norm were married in the Salt Lake City Temple on January 21, 1955. Immediately following their reception, they traveled to Hawaii, where they spent the first year of their marriage while Norm completed his service in the Army. Edith loved their evening walks along the beach and even took a hula class or two while living on the island.

Returning from Hawaii, Edith and Norm moved to San Jose before eventually settling in Los Gatos, California, where they raised their family. Edith was a devoted wife and mother who took great pride in caring for her family and creating a warm, beautifully kept home. Her attention to detail and love for order and cleanliness were well known by all who visited.

Always a hard worker, when her children were old enough, Edith worked part-time outside the home in several roles. Her favorites being her time as an assistant in a medical office, where the nickname “Edie” first appeared, and later at a local church bookstore, where she loved helping patrons find books and resources to strengthen their faith.

Edith was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Each morning she could be found in her living room chair reading her scriptures, saying her prayers, and writing in her journal. She once remarked that she hoped the worn cushion in that chair would stand as a quiet testament to her daily efforts to grow closer to the Lord.

Aside from her family, one of Edie’s most treasured accomplishments was the many years she spent volunteering in the Oakland California Temple. For 32 years she faithfully served the patrons of the Bay Area. Norm joined her during the last 10 years of her service, and together they made the hour drive every Thursday morning. After each shift, no matter how tired she was, Edith returned home and carefully washed, dried, and ironed her clothing so it would be ready for the next week. Something that would surprise no one who knew her.

During their retirement years, Edith loved to travel and was fortunate to explore many countries with Norm, always returning home with treasured keepsakes and memories from her adventures that filled her home. She enjoyed spending time talking with loved ones on the phone, going to lunch with her many dear companions, hosting candy parties, and was an avid collector. Each evening she faithfully watched Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune with Norm, a nightly tradition that continued even after Norm’s passing.

Edith was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Norm; her parents; her four brothers and sister; her son-in-law; and two cherished great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her two children, Cyndi and Steve (Jennifer), as well as six grandchildren (and their spouses) and eleven great-grandchildren.

Edith will be deeply missed, and her memory will be treasured by all who knew and loved her. She will be remembered for her sophistication, classic taste, love of white roses, and quiet grace with which she lived her life.

Her devotion to her family was unwavering, and she found great joy in caring for those around her. Whether through a carefully hand-written note, a sweet treat, or simply her steady presence, she expressed her love in countless small but meaningful ways. Her faith guided her life, and she was a source of strength and quiet compassion. Her legacy lives on in the family she loved so dearly and in the many lives she touched through her service and enduring love.

Funeral Services will be Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 11:00am at Walker Sanderson Funeral Home, 646 East 800 North, Orem. Interment will be in Provo City Cemetery, 610 South State Street, Provo.

A webcast of the service will be available at www.walkersanderson.com.