Mary Lou was born in Chicago, IL to Thomas and Lucy Robeson. They moved frequently during her childhood eventually settling in Los Angeles, CA.  Mary Lou attended UCLA, joined Alpha Chi Omega sorority where she met Jack Taylor. They were married in 1952.  She wasn't able to finish her degree as they moved to Washington DC for Jack's enlistment in the Air Force.

Finally coming back to Los Angeles, they had two children, Linda and Matt, and moved to Saratoga, CA in 1967, where they resided for the rest of their lives. She completed her degree in English at San Jose State.

Mary Lou was an incredible poet, beloved teacher at both Fremont Union and Monta Vista High Schools, and very philanthropic.

Mary Lou has published 4 poetry books, the last to be published posthumously.

She helped to start Markham House at History Park in San Jose, Poetry San Jose, worked with the Martin Luther King Library at SJSU, member of both The Foothill Club in Saratoga and Peninsula Volunteers in Menlo Park.  She loved her National Pen Women's Association and all of her poetry friends. Mary Lou maintained her friendships for so many years and thank you all for visiting her.

Special Thank you to Tua Pekipaki and Tua's family for all of their incredible care and support over the past three years.

Mary Lou is survived by her children - Linda (Chuck), Matt (David), two grandchildren – Chris (Catherine), Allie (Tim) and two great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Foothill Club Historic Landmark Foundation (PO Box 2233 Saratoga, CA  95070) or Peninsula Volunteers Inc. (800 Middle Ave. Menlo Park, CA 94025)

A celebration of life is planned for a later time.