Taylor, Melanie Jean

Melanie Jean Taylor died peacefully Sunday, July 10, 2011, at Centennial Hospital, Nashville, Tenn.

Melanie was preceded in death by her mother, Jean McGinnis Taylor.

She is survived by her father, Allen M. Taylor, and stepmother, Marilyn L. Taylor, of Milwaukee, Wis.; as well as by her brother, Allen M. Taylor Jr. (Linda) of Marion; half brother, R. Reed Taylor of Pittsburgh, Pa.; and nephew, Jared A. Taylor of McAllen, Texas.

Also surviving are her paternal uncle, Robert H. Taylor (Mary Susan) of Solon; aunts, Marian T. Antin of Cedar Rapids and Nancy T. Gallagher (Richard) of Granville, Ohio; as well as numerous other relatives and friends.

Melanie was born in Milwaukee, Wis., on May 5, 1949, and attended Shorewood High School in Milwaukee, Elmira College, Elmira, N.Y., the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and the Culinary Institute, Santa Rosa, Calif.

The Taylor family extends special, heartfelt thanks to Melanie's dedicated care manager Kristy B. Robinson, owner of Elder Options Care Consultants, Nashville, Tenn., for the compassionate attention given to Melanie at the end of her life.

Private graveside services will be held at Mount Calvary Cemetery, Cedar Rapids, at a time to be determined by the family.

Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.