Thelma Taylor

Thelma Taylor died surrounded by her loving family April 6, 2012, in Redwood City of natural causes after a lengthy stay at Sequoia Hospital.

She is survived by her adoring husband Joe of 55 years, daughter Linda Bertetta (Russ), sons John and Mark and grandsons Patrick and Christopher Bertetta and granddaughters Miranda and Alexandra Taylor.

Thelma was born in Maui, Hawaii Jan. 25, 1931. She was one of nine children of Yamato and Untara Miyashiro.

Thelma attended the University of Hawaii and graduated from Queen’s Hospital School of Nursing in 1953. Upon graduation, she headed for San Francisco where she began her long career in nursing at the VA Hospital at Fort Miley and met her future husband Joe.

Thelma was a 50-year resident of San Carlos. She worked at several VA hospitals before beginning her more than 30 year tenure at Sequoia Hospital. During her last 20 years she was one of the outstanding nurses in Sequoia’s emergency room, widely respected by the doctors, her peers and the patients for the care she provided.

Some of Thelma’s favorite times were spent at the cabin in Arnold. She loved family vacations — playing cards, games with the children and grandchildren, barbecuing and fishing. Whenever Thelma was with her family, she was happiest.

"Thelma was a born care-giver, she was there whenever and to whomever she was needed. We have lost a true angel of mercy.”

A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, April 28 at Skylawn Funeral Home on State Route 92.

Donations can be made in Thelma’s name to the Sequoia Hospital Foundation, Emergency Room Fund.