Sonia Sigrid Nielsen Taylor, age 92, of Burnsville, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 2, 2026.
She was born on August 13, 1933, in Brooklyn, New York, to the late Thorvald D. Nielsen and Sigrid Wiren Nielsen. In addition to her parents, Sonia was preceded in death by her granddaughter, April Taylor, and her great-grandsons, Chandler Plummer and Michael Alvarado.
Sonia was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and the cherished matriarch of her family. She was married for 72 years to her devoted husband, Thomas Chandler Taylor, with whom she built a life rooted in love, faith, and family. A proud United States Air Force veteran, Sonia served her country with honor. She was also an avid swimmer, lifeguard, and swim instructor, passions that reflected her strength, discipline, and love of life. Sonia had a deep appreciation for travel and embraced each new experience with curiosity and joy. Her Christian faith guided her throughout her life, and she was a faithful member of the Lutheran Church.
Left to cherish her memory is her loving husband, Thomas Chandler Taylor; her children: Patricia “Patsy” Wright (Mitch) of Burnsville, Thomas Chandler Taylor Jr. (Joanne) of Jacksonville, Illinois, Robert “Bobby” Taylor of Burnsville, and Christine “Chris” Taylor of Weaverville.
She is also survived by her grandchildren: Candice Taylor, Elin Wright, Erik Wright, Scarlett Vercher, and Grant Vercher; as well as her great-grandchildren: Ramses Brown, Addison Finnegan, and Nicholas Kendall.
Private memorial services will be held.
The family would like to extend special thanks to Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home, Margaret and Sarah, as well as the responding Sheriff’s Deputies and Ambulance/Rescue personnel, for their professionalism, compassion, and care during this difficult time.
Sonia’s legacy of strength, devotion, faith, and love will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.
Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home is respectfully serving the Taylor family.
To send an online condolence please visit: www.holcombebrothersfuneralhome.com
