Kathleen J. "Kathy Jo" Taylor of Sharpsville passed away peacefully following a courageous battle with A.L.S. Monday afternoon, April 2, 2018, in UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, Pittsburgh. She was 62.

Kathy Jo was born July 31, 1955, in Sharon, a daughter of Joseph A. and Olive K. (Liburdi) Caracci. A lifelong area resident, she was a 1973 graduate of Hickory High School, Hermitage, and later earned her certification to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN).

Kathy Jo was employed as an LPN by Dr. Shani Vaturi and Dr. David D'Amore, both Brookfield. She later worked in the same capacity for Sharon Regional Physicians Services, and most recently Dr. Rebecca Hanigosky, both in Hermitage.

Kathy Jo was a member of the Church of Notre Dame, Hermitage.

A devout matriarch, she loved spending time with her husband, children and grandchildren, particularly while vacationing in Myrtle Beach, S.C., or having cookouts in the backyard. She also enjoyed connecting with people on Facebook while playing "Words with Friends."

Throughout her valiant battle with A.L.S., Kathy Jo remained selfless and optimistic, never losing her positive outlook. Her greatest joy still came from bringing a smile to another person's face.

Surviving are: her husband of 40 years, William W. "Bill" Taylor, Jr.,  whom she married May 14, 1977; three daughters, Sherry K. (Edward) Lisac, Farrell, Erika R. (Dakota) Taylor-Beck, North Carolina, and Billie Jo Taylor and her fiancé, Max Zeigler, Pittsburgh; her mother, Olive K. Caracci, Hermitage; a sister, Karen (Joseph) D'Onofrio, Hermitage; two brothers, Michael Caracci, Sharon, and Joey (Julie) Caracci, Lititz, PA; three grandchildren, William E. Lisac; and Brianna L. and Addison F. Zeigler; and several nieces and nephews.

Kathy Jo was preceded in death by her father, Joseph A. Caracci and a brother, Mark Caracci.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to ALS Association of Western PA, 416 Lincoln Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15209.

Calling hours will be 4 to 8 p.m. Friday (4-6-18) in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.

Funeral Mass of Christian burial will be 10 a.m. Saturday (4-7-18) in the Church of Notre Dame, 2325 Highland Rd., Hermitage, with Rev. Joseph Staszewski, as celebrant, and Rev. Richard Allen, pastor, concelebrant.

Interment: St. Rose Cemetery, Hermitage.