Judith “Judy” Ann Taylor-Rubino

Salem – Judith “Judy” Ann Taylor-Rubino, age 84, of Salem, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her children, on the morning of Thursday, December 4, 2025, at Covington Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in East Palestine, following a courageous 14-month battle with bladder cancer.

Born November 10, 1941, in Salem, OH, Judy was the daughter of the late Robert Gaver and Dorothy Smith Gaver-Altomare-Schmitt.

Judy was a fighter and a warrioress beyond her time—living a life rich in adventure, service, generosity, humor, and a touch of drama. She developed a strong work ethic early on, beginning at age 14 as a waitress at Heck’s Restaurant, later working at J & E Records where she cultivated her love of the latest music and fashion trends, a passion she carried throughout her life.

At age 18, Judy began her first of two marriages, spending 27 years as the secretary for her husband’s two Goodyear franchise stores in Columbiana and Salem. She enjoyed more than a decade of motorhome travel across the United States before welcoming her first child. She especially cherished the Western mountains, where she also learned to ski. Her beautifully manicured yard earned the nickname “The Taylor’s on the Hill.” In the 1980s, Judy and her family opened their home through Catholic Charities to 26 foster babies—an act of immense love that ultimately led to the adoption of three children who further expanded her heart and family.

During her second marriage, Judy embraced horseback riding, which brought countless stories, mishaps, and comedic adventures along Beaver Creek Trail. Her love for animals filled the home with dogs, cats, a bunny, a guinea pig, a turtle, fish tanks, and even a goat—pets her children “should have been caring for.” Despite all of this, she maintained an immaculate 15-room home with 32 windows. She later channeled these skills into her own successful cleaning business, working diligently for numerous clients—even through stage-four cancer.

When she wasn’t working, Judy stayed up to date with all the latest trends in her granddaughters’ lives. She attended concerts and tribute bands, with Cher being her absolute favorite. She was never shy about asking for a manager or standing up for those she loved. Keeping active, she loved walking the Southern Park Mall—shopping for anyone, for any occasion. Her children affectionately knew her as “Hot Rod Jude,” and with the advent of cell phones, “Hotline Jude.” She also frequented the Salem McDonald’s for her beloved mocha frappes.

Judy possessed a deep spirit and could talk to anyone about anything. An avid reader and movie goer, she enjoyed any outing that included popcorn and Reese’s peanut butter cups. In many ways, she was larger than life—funny, kind, and one truly “fancy Grammy.”

A longtime member of Saint Jude Parish, she brought all her foster babies to Mass and raised her children in the sacraments—always ensuring they wore their “Sunday best.”

She was preceded in death by her stepfather, Americo Altomare; her husbands, John Robert Taylor and Anthony Edward Rubino, Sr.; her brother, Anthony Altomare; and her son, David Anthony Taylor.

Judy is survived by her daughters, Anne M. (Thomas Torkelson) Taylor of Golden Valley, MN, and Melissa A. Taylor of Youngstown; her son, Michael B. Taylor of Las Vegas, NV; her granddaughters, Gretchen (Sean) Bochman, Aaliyah Mike, Anna Torkelson, and Delilah Taylor; her sisters, Joanne Booksing, Valerie Aitken, and Pamela Barkley; her cousin, Nancy Altomare; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends who loved her. She is also survived by her late-in-life companion, Mark Janowiak.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to all the nurses who cared for Judy in her final months and to SouthernCare Hospice Services for their compassion and support.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 12, 2025, at Saint Jude Parish, Columbiana, with The Very Reverend Chad Johnson, V.F. officiating. The Rosary will be prayed at 10:30 a.m. prior to Mass.

Family and friends are encouraged to attend, as there will be no visitation or calling hours beforehand. A funeral luncheon will follow immediately after the Mass.

Interment will take place at New Waterford Cemetery, New Waterford, at 2:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to:

• Focus Hippotherapy 501 (c)(3), 6140 Century Blvd, Canfield, OH 44406 (focushippotherapy.org)

• Walking with Moms in Need Northeast Ohio, Catholic Diocese of Youngstown ( https://doy.org/walkingwithmomsneo/)

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Warrick-Kummer-Rettig Funeral Home, Columbiana.

Family and friends may view this obituary and share condolences at www.familycareservices.com.