Kathleen M. "Kathy" Taylor, age 79, passed away peacefully after a brief battle with cancer on Wednesday, July 6, 2023.  She was born on August 20,1943, in Rockford, the daughter of Everett and Winifred (Oliver) Osgood.  As an infant, she lost her father in war and was then raised by Charles G. Oliver.

Kathy graduated from Belvidere High School in 1961. She was married in 1962 and during her ten year marriage she started her family. Robert A. Taylor was born in 1963 followed by Robin K. Taylor in 1965.

Kathy began working at Central Rubber Company in 1973. She worked in the paint department for 35 years until her retirement in 2008.

In 1983 she met the love of her life, Bob Byczek. Their favorite hobbies and adventures included fishing, boating, and working in the yard, where they created a beautiful backyard garden space. They loved hosting any and all family events, especially the 4th of July. She was a collector and had a passion for all things birds. Kathy had a strong spiritual faith, a huge heart and helped anyone she could.

Kathy is survived by her son, Robert "Rob" Taylor; daughter, Robin (Todd) LaBuy; granddaughters, Caitlyn Hipp and Taylor (Daniel "Hank") Hornaday; sister, Marchia (Glenn Kriger) Oliver; sister-in-law, Peggy Osgood; nephew, Tony Osgood; great-niece, Hailey Osgood; and additional blessings from her time with Bob, Julie (James) Plantz, Justin Plantz and Cindy Byczek.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her partner in crime, Bob Byczek; her brothers, Everett "Butch" Osgood and Mark Oliver; great-granddaughter, Evalyn Maughan; and niece, Heather Osgood.

A Memorial Service will be held at CREEKWOOD BAPTIST CHURCH, 5973 Darlene Drive, Rockford, on Monday, July 10, 2023, at 12 noon. A visitation will be held at the church from 11:00 am until the time of service.