Grandma Mae

My sweet Grandma Mae passed away this weekend after receiving a shocking diagnosis of liver cancer about two months ago. I'm so grateful for the time I was able to have with her here on earth. She was such a good example to me. Here are just a few of the things I loved about her...

She was so fiercely DEVOTED to her religion, family and friends.She had a simple SWEETNESS about her. She was always so KIND and had a smile for everyone. She was TRUE to the democratic party and elated to have a new Democratic President (she was not a Bush fan to say the least). She was FASHIONABLE and could window-shop with the best of 'em. She was always dressed to the T with hair and nails in perfect condition. She was an amazing COOK. I'll remember three thing in particular: salsa, cheesecake, and shrimp cocktail. She spoke her MIND. I remember my Dad recounting the story of her telling him NO when he asked if he could marry my mom. (She thought they were too young). Most importantly, she raised my MOTHER to be the most amazing woman I know. My mom is the most giving, loving, devoted, selfless individual I have ever known and I know my grandma Mae played a huge role in making her the person she is.


Mae O'Rourke Markham
Mae O'Rourke Markham 1926 ~ 2009 Mae O. Markham died at her home on January 11, 2009, surrounded by loved ones, after a short battle with cancer. Mae was born April 7, 1926 in Tooele, UT to John and Edith Shields O'Rourke. She was raised in Eureka, Utah where she attended St. Joseph's Catholic School and graduated from Tintic High School. She maintained a bond with Eureka throughout her life. She planned and faithfully attended many class reunions. Mae married Robert Markham on February 15, 1947 in Salt Lake City, Utah. They resided in Salt Lake. He preceded her in death on September 24, 1995. She was employed for 25 years as an administrative assistant for the South Salt Lake Police Department, where she attained the rank of sergeant, retiring in 1987. She enjoyed an active retirement, spending many hours with her children, grandchildren, great-grand-children and many good friends. Mae loved life and remained vibrant until the very end. She kept busy bowling, going on outings with the 49ers club, serving as a delegate for the Democratic Party and as an election judge for many years. Mae was a member of St. Ann's Catholic Church and St. Ann's Ladies Guild. She is survived by two sons, John (Carol), Ogden, UT; Robert, Salt Lake City; two daughters, Janet Susan Taylor, Murray, UT; Patricia (Jim) Hatchett, Boise, ID; 10 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and sister Marie Jerman, Scottsdale, AZ. Preceded in death by parents, husband and son-in-law Colin Taylor. A funeral mass will be celebrated Friday at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Ann Catholic Church, 450 East 2100 South. A vigil service will be held Thursday at 7:00 p.m. at Neil O'Donnell and Sons Mortuary, 372 East 100 South, where friends may call from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. Committal, Spanish Fork City Cemetery, 420 South 400 East, Spanish Fork, Utah.