1926
Guildford Beginnings
Born on 30th December 1926 in Guildford to Alf and Myrtle Passalaqua, Pat was the youngest of three children. She grew up learning trades alongside her father in the family butcher shop.
Their Story
Patricia Taylor was born on 30th December 1926 in Guildford to Alf and Myrtle Passalaqua, the youngest of three children. After completing year 8 at Guildford Primary School, she studied dressmaking at Castlemaine Technical College. From a young age, Pat worked alongside her father in the family butcher shop, learning skills that few would tackle. She also babysat local children, including a young Ron Barassi, and later put her dressmaking skills to use at Givonies in Newstead.
In 1952, Pat married Lester Taylor, a musician in her father's dance band who had promised to marry her before departing for Papua New Guinea during the war. They built their home at 53 Bowden St in Castlemaine, the first triple fronted brick veneer in town, where Pat would live for over 70 years. Together they raised two children and enjoyed attending dance balls where Pat often won belle of the ball.
Pat devoted herself to community service, serving on numerous school committees and as president of the Thompsons Foundry band ladies committee for 20 years. She volunteered for 30 years on the hospital book trolley and 25 years with the Red Cross. A woman of deep faith, she was a church member for 70 years. At age 50, Pat discovered lawn bowls and rose to become ladies president of the Castlemaine bowling club, achieving the pinnacle of her bowling career in 1993 when her team won the Victorian state 4s championship.
Pat's greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted mother, a beloved Nan to five grandchildren, and treasured her eight great grandchildren, always ready with chocolate frogs and treats. She is remembered for her warmth, dedication to community, and the pride she took in those she loved.
A Life in Moments
Dressmaking and Service
After completing year 8 at Guildford Primary School, Pat studied dressmaking at Castlemaine Technical College. She put her skills to use at Givonies in Newstead and babysat local children, including a young Ron Barassi.
1952
Marriage and Home
In 1952, Pat married Lester Taylor, a musician in her father's dance band who had promised to marry her before departing for Papua New Guinea during the war. They built their home at 53 Bowden St in Castlemaine, the first triple fronted brick veneer in town.
Family Life
Together Pat and Lester raised two children and enjoyed attending dance balls where Pat often won belle of the ball. Her home on Bowden Street would be her residence for over 70 years.
1970
Community Dedication
Pat devoted herself to service, serving on numerous school committees and as president of the Thompsons Foundry band ladies committee for 20 years. She volunteered for 30 years on the hospital book trolley and 25 years with the Red Cross.
1950
Faith and Fellowship
A woman of deep faith, Pat was a church member for 70 years. Her devotion to community and spiritual life defined her character and shaped her relationships throughout Castlemaine.
1993
Champion Bowler
At age 50, Pat discovered lawn bowls and rose to become ladies president of the Castlemaine bowling club. The pinnacle of her bowling career came in 1993 when her team won the Victorian state 4s championship.
2000
Beloved Nan
Pat's greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted mother, a beloved Nan to five grandchildren, and treasured her eight great grandchildren, always ready with chocolate frogs and treats.
In Memory
Light a candle
0 candles lit
Guestbook
Be the first to leave a memory.