J. Paul’s Story

Site created on February 8, 2023


Thank you for visiting J. Paul Taylor's CaringBridge site. As many of you have already been aware, Paul experienced a heart attack Friday night, February 3rd. This is a website for friends and family to be updated on his health.  Our hope is that this journal helps to alleviate some of the time our family spends on the phone answering questions and updating people on his condition so that they concentrate on helping our wonderful father. As we cherish these precious moments with our father, we ask that you check this journal for the latest updates.


Paul was experiencing pain on Friday night, February 3rd and was admitted to the hospital. There, he was taken through a series of tests to determine if he was experiencing a heart issue. Following tests, it was determined that he had indeed suffered a heart attack. An echocardiogram showed that his heart is at a very diminished capacity. It was determined by the doctors that because of his age at 102, he cannot have any kind of procedure. 


His family was able to bring him home on Tuesday evening, February 7th with the support of Mesilla Valley Hospice where he is much more comfortable and is receiving loving care from his family and trusted caretakers.

Newest Update

Journal entry by Mary Helen Ratje

I know it’s been a long time since I posted and it isn’t that I haven’t cared as in “Caring Bridge”. Life has been busy but the memories are still so close to all our hearts. We turned the house over to the Department of Cultural Affairs before Thanksgiving. It was hard and emotional but it was the next step and we did it with grace. Christmas time is so special to the Taylor family. We have the Nacimiento tour continuing year after year and we held the first without our beloved father a week ago today. He would have been so happy to see the many people who come from near and far to see the beautiful collection our parents and family have acquired throughout the years. Christmas Eve we gathered at the Ratje home and enjoyed each other’s company. The large Nacimiento was set up in the patio and the zaguán was open to the public. The Historic Site’s new manager, Wendi Laws and her partner Andrew were there to experience the very old tradition of honoring Jesus’ birth. Traditions are so very special and this one will continue and we are blessed. 🙏
This will be my last post in Caring Bridge but you can follow me on Facebook. We will always care and I so appreciate the site and the opportunity to share with all of you. 
Merry Christmas and have a very Happy New Year!❤️
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