Lucy Catherine Taylor

Lucy Catherine Taylor, 60, illustrator, artist, and teacher, died at her home in Madison, Wisconsin, on Saturday, December 22, 2012.

She was born in Hanover, New Hampshire, on November 1, 1952, the daughter of Jerome and Carol (Duthie) Taylor.

Lucy studied art, biology, and anatomy at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, while working as a scientific and medical illustrator for departments throughout the university and medical school, joining the staff as an undergraduate. She was awarded Phi Kappa Phi in 1977 and graduated with Distinction in August 1978. She continued her work for the Department of Botany until May 1988 and earned a Master of Fine Arts in Drawing and Painting in May 1989. Since 1977, Lucy has won many awards and participated in numerous art exhibits around the country and overseas. Her medical and botanical illustrations have been published in many books. Her teaching career, which started with training graphic assistants for the Botany Department, later included workshops for professional organizations and a variety of innovative courses for the University of Wisconsin Division of Outreach. She was always a passionate advocate for students with special needs in the university community. Lucy enjoyed dancing, gardening, volunteer work with children and seniors, exploring the cultures of foreign lands, and her beloved cats.

Lucy is survived by her son Jason Sweet and granddaughter Claire-Michelle of Atlanta, Georgia; special friend Bhim Nimgade of Madison, Wisconsin; 3 sisters: Jane (Dan) Fary of Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin; Marie Davis of Edgewood, New Mexico; and Celia (Paul) Knutson of Wisconsin; 5 brothers: Edward (Susan Fennelly) Taylor of Winchester, Massachusetts; Peter (Sailah) Taylor of Mobile, Alabama; Stephen (Janet) Taylor of Ann Arbor, Michigan; Thomas (Alison) Taylor of Onalaska, Wisconsin; and Patrick (Deirdre Roney) Taylor of Brookline, Massachusetts; and extended family including 10 nieces, 6 nephews, 2 great nieces, and 3 great nephews. Lucy was preceded in death by her parents.

Informed Choice is assisting the family with cremation arrangements, and a memorial service celebrating her life will take place at a later date.