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“No one can really believe Kaylee’s gone,” her mother said.
Nursing dreams
On the morning she died, Kaylee rose at 6:45 a.m. and drove to a Hillsboro physical therapy center to sign up as a volunteer before heading to school.
“She had said she wanted to be a nurse since the day she could talk,” Kathy Tawzer said. Helping elderly people regain the use of their limbs after a stroke or other health issue appealed to her daughter.
“She had such a big heart,” Kathy said.
Even though she didn’t play sports herself, it was Kaylee’s habit to attend every football game, basketball game and volleyball match her friends were involved in.
“She wanted to do athletics and dance” at Banks High, her mother noted, but some of the practices were on Sundays, creating a conflict with her Mormon faith.
“Sunday is our family day and a day of worship,” Kathy noted. “So Kaylee chose not to participate — but she was a great supporter of everyone who did.”
The Tawzers live inside the Glencoe High School boundary, but Kaylee wanted to attend a smaller school, so she transferred.
“She loved Banks High,” said Kathy. “She felt safe and comfortable there.”
An inquisitive girl, Kaylee “loved politics” and spent many evenings debating current events with her father, Troy.
“She was very passionate about her country, and she loved the troops,” her mother said.
Kaylee valued her family, remaining close to her oldest sisters after they married and had children. She was on her way to her sister Ashly’s house in Forest Grove to pick up a laptop computer for her mother when the fatal wreck occurred.
Forever families
And, at the core of her life was an unswerving attachment to Mormon religious principles.
“She believed in her faith with everything she had,” said Kathy. “Kaylee knew that families can be together forever. That gives me great comfort.”
A handwritten will Kathy found in Kaylee’s bedroom a few days after her death carried an eerie premonition.
Although she had never talked about it with her parents, Kaylee wrote that, should she die in an accident, she wanted to donate her organs.
After their daughter passed away, and before they discovered the journal, Troy and Kathy gave doctors permission to use one of her kidneys to save someone else’s life.
It’s what Kaylee would want.
“She had wisdom beyond her years. I believe she’s been with us every day helping us know what to do,” Kathy Tawzer said. “Kaylee was beyond special.”
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... why the Lord chooses to take the ones he does! Kaylee has been such a loss to our entire and complete family! To take such a joyous and full-of-life spirit truly leaves a hole in each and every one of our hearts. For no-matter where she fit or who she was to someone in this life, she was the type of person who left you with just a bit of the cuteness and joy of her soul ... and you were the better for it. She always left you with a smile on your lips or a twinkle in your eye because of happiness she shared with you straight from her heart.
Kathy and Troy (her Mother and Father) are the reason I even have any type of children in this world ... and I will never be able to repay them for the goodness and generousity in bringing my twins into my heart and my soul. Even though they are not completely mine yet in this life I have no choice but to believe in that great and eternal sealing power in the next ... where more than BELIEVE ... I KNOW ... that Kaylee will standing right there watching with us all on that day when my two are sealed to me forever and ever. With Evy and Rone and EVERYONE else we love so dearly!
Those will be joyous and wondrous days for a family that suffers with so much grief and despair now. My Love to you ALL!
Always - Cousin Debbie
(email verified)
Wed, Oct 03, 2007 at 06:02 AM
I am so sorry for your loss! My husband and I drove past the accident on our way home from work that evening, and we are neighbors of Kaylee's older sister in Forest Grove. In the two years I have lived here and the six years he has, we both have seen some unfortunate accidents at that intersection.
People often drive way too fast on that stretch of road, but it is important to note to the writer of this article that the posted speed on this part of 47 is not 45 MPH, it is 55. It becomes 55 after passing the Grand Lodge and crossing the RR tracks and remains 55 through the light at Sunset Ave and does not change to 45 until just before Banks or until you turn onto Verboort Road.
Again, we are so sorry for your loss, and may God continue to heal you and show you His will through all of this.
(email verified)
Tue, Oct 09, 2007 at 04:22 AM
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Re: Banks remembers teen’s ‘spirit’
We miss Kaylee so very much. She is in our thoughts everyday. Though we know she is with our loving Father in Heaven and it is all part of His plan, we miss her smile and giggle. My heart aches for her dear mother and father. Through their faith they are finding strength and with time will feel the warmth of the sun again.
Thanks to all who supported the family during this hard time with cards, flowers and kind words. They have received such a great outpouring of love and support. Thanks to the LDS Church wards for the wonderful meals, and kindness beyond measure.
Kaylee indeed believed that "Families are Forever". Though I still shed a tear today, I know we will see you soon our angel girl, we love you.
Aunt Evy Jo
"Evy Jo"
(email verified)
Thu, Sep 27, 2007 at 02:25 AM