Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

May 2, 2025

Karen Fitzsimon Taylor, of Charlotte, North Carolina, passed away on May 2, 2025, three months shy of her 71st birthday, surrounded by loved ones.

Born in New York, New York, to James Joseph Fitzsimon and Helen Nadolska Fitzsimon, Karen grew up in Charlotte with both an older and a younger brother, and in her teen years, a beloved niece who joined the family home.

She attended East Mecklenburg and Independence High Schools and later UNC-Chapel Hill. Her 40-year career in sales was marked by numerous achievements and the lasting relationships that defined her professional success. A lifelong reader and avid learner, she cherished her book club, yoga classes, and traveling the world—especially visits with Irish relatives and treasured family time in St. Barts.

Later in life, Karen returned to school and received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from UNC-Charlotte. In retirement, she found deep purpose in her outreach work at Myers Park Baptist Church. She served a term as Chair of the Deacons, helping lead the church in living out its mission to stand boldly against injustice and oppression. Karen especially loved volunteering with Freedom School Partners, a program that helps children retain and grow their reading skills over the summer. She was passionate about creating opportunities for young people and showed up with warmth, dedication, and a belief in every child’s potential.

A free spirit with a thoughtful mind, she was deeply empathetic—always taking action to support those in need and standing with people too often overlooked by society. Above all else, Karen was a devoted wife and mother. Her love for her family was steady, generous, and fierce. She offered unwavering support through every season and was a constant source of strength, humor, and wisdom to those closest to her.

She is survived by her loving husband, Glenn Taylor, and daughter, Amanda Taylor; brother, Christopher Fitzsimon (Barbara); sister-in-law, Fran Fitzsimon; niece, Lori Polson (JB); great-niece, Staci McCall (Tony); niece, Terri Czeczotka; nephew, Jimmy Taylor (Elizabeth); and niece, Sherry Leach (John). She was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings Ken Fitzsimon; Mary, Eileen, and Jim Fitzsimon; and sister-in-law, Maxine Calloway (Warren).

A celebration of her life will be held on Friday, May 9, at 2 p.m. at Myers Park Baptist Church in Charlotte.

Memorials may be made in her honor to Freedom School Partners, P.O. Box 37363, Charlotte, NC 28237 (704-371-4922) or the MDS Foundation, 4573 South Broad St., Suite 150, Yardville, NJ 08620 (1-800-637-0839).

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the team at the Levine Cancer Institute for their compassionate care.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.