Rhea Taylor

Rhea Taylor, 84, of Bennington, NH, passed away peacefully on May 26, 2025, at Catholic Medical Center in Manchester.

Rhea was born on April 18, 1941, in Deer Park, Ohio, the daughter of Philip and Catherine (Schroeder) Stapf. A kind, caring, and generous soul, Rhea’s life was guided by her deep faith, which was the foundation of her strength and compassion.

Raised in Ohio, Rhea earned her high school diploma and went on to attend Ohio State University, where she received a degree in Physical Therapy in 1963. Shortly after graduation, she accepted a position at Crotched Mountain Rehabilitation Center in Greenfield, NH. Drawn to the natural beauty of New Hampshire, which reminded her of the German countryside her father often described, Rhea found purpose in treating children with disabilities.

In 1966, Rhea met her husband, Donald R. Taylor. After a six-month courtship, they were married in January 1967. Together, they built a loving home in Bennington, NH and began their family in 1969. During the late 1970s and early 1980s, Rhea worked at Pheasant Wood Nursing Home before returning to Crotched Mountain in 1982, where she was instrumental in establishing an outpatient therapy program—a project she held with great pride. She continued her work with passion and dedication until her retirement in 2006, following the passing of her beloved husband. In the 1990s, Rhea pursued advanced training in Myofascial Release (MFR) with renowned therapist John Barnes. She went on to found Hands & Hearts Physical Therapy, which she operated from 2007 to 2011, integrating MFR into her treatment with a holistic mind-body approach.

Rhea’s life was rich with interests and friendships. She loved gardening, singing, walking with friends and her dogs, hiking in the White Mountains, spending time by the ocean, and enjoying lively game nights. She was always eager to "stop and smell the flowers." Rhea was a member of the Divine Mercy Women’s Guild, a local book club, and sang alto in the Monadnock Chorus—a group that brought her great joy and a sense of accomplishment.

Family was the center of Rhea’s world, especially her role as a grandmother and great-grandmother. Her happiest moments were spent gathered around the table, surrounded by laughter, storytelling, and often playing a few card games, soaking in the warmth of those she loved most.

Rhea was predeceased by her husband, Donald R. Taylor and brother, Philip Stapf, JR.

She is survived by her daughter, Annette Taylor, of Bennington, and Annette’s daughters Lauren Klemett and Annika Klemett ( partner Aaron Nelson), of Bennington, NH; her son, Frank Taylor, (Fiancé Stephanie Cottrell) of Lee, NH, and his son Bryce Pelletier-Taylor; a step-grandchild Alan Klemett; a devoted grandmother figure to Cavan Giordani and Cayden Giordani; one great-grandson, Jaxson Nelson; and several nieces and a nephew.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Rhea’s name to the American Red Cross of NH, the National Wildlife Federation, or Special Olympics of NH.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, June 20, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Divine Mercy Catholic Church, 12 Church Street, Peterborough, NH. Burial will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Evergreen Cemetery, Old Stagecoach Road, Bennington, NH.