Mary Jane (Copenhaver) Bish Taylor, age 74 of New Smyrna Beach, FL, formerly of Dayton, PA died Monday, April 10, 2006 in FL after a long bout with lymphoma.  Two memorial services were held in her honor.  On Thursday, April 13, 2006, at New Smyrna Beach United Methodist Church, New Smyrna Beach, FL and Saturday, April 29, 2006, at the Dayton United Methodist Church, 155 E Church Avenue, Dayton, PA. 

She was born July 26, 1931 in New Bethlehem, Pa to Jesse C. and Pearl (Troup) Copenhaver.

After marrying Merle N. Bish, they lived in Dayton and the surrounding areas where they raised their five children.  In 1966 the family moved to the Altoona area.  With her children raised, Merle and Jane went their separate ways and she moved to New Smyrna Beach in 1982.  In 1990 she met James W. Taylor whom she married in 1993.  She was proud of her native state.  She was a devout member of the United Methodist Church in both Dayton and New Smyrna Beach where she taught Sunday school.  She kept a prayer bench at her bedside and spoke to God every night.  She was a lady who brightened every life she touched.  Jane, as she was known to most, was a member of many organizations including Eastern Star, the Republican Club, the Port Orange Travel Club, the Opera Club, and the Volusia Investors Club where she had served as Presiding Partner.

Jane was filled with love!  She loved a good joke and often spent long, hilarious sessions swapping stories especially with her brother Jesse and sister Jo.  She loved gospel, bluegrass, country, and rock music.  She loved travel and cruises.  She loved talking to her flowers and said “hi fellas” every morning to the plants outside her front door.  She loved beachcombing and her house was filled with shells collected after a storm.  Her Christmas tree was a symphony of beautiful shells.

Above most things she loved her family and her husband, Jim. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Edward C. Copenhaver, and a son, Thomas Lee Bish.  In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to: The Dayton United Methodist Church, PO Box 336, Dayton, PA 16222 or The American Cancer Society, One Nolte Drive, Kittanning, PA 16201.

  
Born in New Bethlehem, Pennsylvania to Jesse C. Copenhaver and Pearl Viola (Troup) Copenhaver.

Gave birth to their first son, David Allen Bish.

Gave birth to their first daugther, Catherine Louise Bish.

Gave birth to their second son, Thomas Lee Bish.

Gave birth to their second daughter, Linda Sue Bish.

Gave birth to their third son, Terry Ray Bish.

Surrounded by the love of her family and friends, she passed away at the age of 74.