Joanne M. Taggart of Southampton died on Easter Sunday, March 31, at Stony Brook Southampton Hospital. She was 81.
Born in Southampton on May 12, 1942, she was the daughter of Peter and Stephanie (Ryder) Danowski. She was a graduate of Riverhead High School Class of 1959, then received a bachelor’s degree in education from the State University of New York at Oneonta.
After growing up in Riverhead, where her parents owned and operated Danowski Funeral Home, she wed the love of her life, John (Jack) Taggart on April 16, 1966. The couple then relocated to Southampton to raise a family.
She worked for several years as a teacher in the Rocky Point School District, and as a substitute teacher in the Southampton School District.
She enjoyed tennis, playing cards (especially with friends at Southampton Golf Club), shopping and spending lots of time with family and friends.
Beginning in the mid 1970s, she began to experience health complications that ultimately led to her being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Since 1990, the symptoms of MS forced her to live the remainder of her life bound to a wheelchair. However, with the continued love and care from her husband, Jack, and with strength and determination all admired, she had a blessed life, her family said.
She is survived by her husband, John (Jack) Taggart; children John P. Taggart (Lisa), and Jacqueline Smith (Gary); grandchildren Jaxson and Addyson; and brother Peter Danowski Jr. (Susan).
The family will receive visitors on Wednesday, April 3, at O’Connell-Rothwell Funeral Home in Southampton from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 4, at 10 a.m., at the Basilica Parish of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. Interment will follow at Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Cemetery.
Staff Writer on Apr 1, 2024