Making a difference in one’s community – one’s world – can take on many forms. And the results of those good deeds touch many in the here-and-now, while forming a lasting legacy that touches future generations.

That is why The Mexico Ledger honors Hidden Heroes.

Nancy Taylor starts every chair-exercise class at the Mexico Area Family YMCA with some jokes, but this week, before she could share some laughs, her co-instructors had a special surprise. 

Taylor was recognized as October’s Hidden Hero for her dedication to promoting exercise and genuine kindness to all who come across her before Friday’s class.

The Columbia native moved to Hatton with her husband, Dennis Taylor, roughly 30 years ago. Both of Taylor’s daughters now live in Mexico, so she started coming to the Mexico YMCA to work out approximately five years ago. 

For years now, Taylor has served as a volunteer instructor for the Mexico YMCA’s chair-exercise classes, but she started as a participant with her daughter. Her co-instructor Dedra Heath said she needed help with class one day and picked her right out of the crowd — and she’s been helping ever since. 

Leading an exercise class was not unfamiliar territory for Taylor, who served as a certified aerobic fitness instructor for more than 20 years. 

“I’ve always liked exercising,” Taylor said. “It’s always been a part of my life.”

Taylor has rejected offers from the Mexico YMCA to become a paid instructor. Instead, she prefers to continue volunteering, and she never misses a day, according to her fellow chair-exercise instructor and Hidden Hero nominator, Gailyn Fennewald. 

“I love everybody,” Taylor said. “Everybody is so warm and receptive, and if I can help make a difference in somebody’s life, that’s what I want to do.”

Fennewald said a lot of people who join the chair-exercise classes are advanced in age and can be isolated, but what makes Taylor a hero is the lengths she goes to in order to make them feel good.

Taylor starts every class by greeting participants with a warm smile and a big hug before checking in with them and asking how they are doing. 

“It’s her caring, her concern and her empathy with people,” Fennewald said. “She’s the total package, and she does it every day for free.”

A great deal of Taylor’s time is spent at the Mexico Area Family YMCA either as an instructor for the chair classes, a substitute for the Back to Basics class, or to work out with her gym partner Karol Deehr. She spends every day but Tuesdays and Thursdays, which are her rest days, exercising in some capacity.

Taylor, who is just six months shy of her 80th birthday, firmly believes that a healthy, active lifestyle, determination and good motivation are the keys to a long and happy life.

“What really keeps me going is looking out and seeing all those faces,” Taylor said. “It keeps me motivated.”

Nancy’s kindhearted nature and positive attitude is felt by Mexico YMCA staff and members alike. 

“She’s a super kind individual in so many ways,” Fennewald said. “It’s like she’s never in a bad mood, and she’s always looking at the bright side of things. She’s just an amazing lady.” 

Heath said Hidden Heroes like Taylor are needed everywhere, especially in smaller communities such as Mexico. 

“People need to know that there is somebody who cares for them,” Heath said. “It’s very important to have that support.”