Mary Jo Taylor died Tuesday, October 6, 2009 in the comfort of her Westbrook home, cared for by a loving community of family and friends, following a courageous 8 year battle with multiple myeloma.

Born May 20, 1962, Mary Jo was raised in Westbrook, and graduated from Portland High School in 1979.

In her early professional life, Mary Jo established herself as a savvy business woman, as co-owner of Restaurant Equipment of Maine. The primary focus of her adult life has undoubtedly been that of nurturing and celebrating in the accomplishments of her beloved daughter Bethany. Mary Jo is also survived by her mother Shirley Fernandez.

Following her cancer diagnosis in early 2001, with the help of a patient volunteer whom she met during an inpatient stay at Maine Medical Center; Mary Jo organized a prototype online care network consisting of family, friends and neighbors to help provide for her care. Her caring community became the cornerstone of the eHope Foundation – a non-profit which launched in March of 2005.

In spite of the setbacks associated with a long-term bout with cancer, Mary Jo led a tremendously busy and productive life. During the final years of her life, she pursued a degree in Health Care Advocacy in her desire to assist others facing serious illness. In addition, she invested countless volunteer hours in support of eHope - filling the role of Vice President, championing the launch of 66 additional caring communities throughout Central and Southern Maine, and providing companionship at the bedsides of others battling critical illness.

Mary Jo will be sorely missed by a legion of friends, family and coworkers whose lives have been profoundly impacted by her unique blend of loyalty, her compassion for others, and a relentless desire to positively impact her community.