Melanie Taylor
- Published: May 2, 2013
Melanie Joy Taylor (Van Eaton) slipped peacefully from this life on Thursday, April 4. She was 62. She died at Greene Memorial Hospital in Xenia after four years of dialysis following kidney failure and deteriorating health. She was able to remain in her home with her daughter’s care and to contribute to the next generation by sharing the bi-weekly care of a nearly 2-year-old child since the age of 8 weeks.
Born June 9, 1950 in Washington, to John and Mary Jane Van Eaton, Melanie spent her younger life as a military brat, moving from army base to army base. A graduate of Heidelberg American High School, she attended both University of Maryland Munich campus and University of Maryland College Park, and graduated from Wright State University School of Nursing. She was a registered nurse at Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton for over 30 years. She was hired as the rehabilitation unit was created, adoring one-on-one patient care, then computer auditing until the night before her admission for kidney failure. She took leave or worked part time to be the primary caretaker for both her mother and father during their extended illnesses. Her greatest fulfillment came from helping others. She touched many lives with care and love.
Melanie is survived by her daughter, Forest Taylor, ex-husband Dan (Wind) Taylor and sister-in-law Marilyn Van Eaton, all of Yellow Springs, by sisters and brothers-in-law Jeanie (Gustavo) Charfen of Ladera Ranch, Calif. and Michele (Ron) Bauer of Centerville, by eight nieces and nephews, by nine grand-nieces and grand-nephews, and by Erin F. of Dayton.
There will be no service following cremation by Baker-Hazel and Snider Funeral Home. Instead, family and friends will gather for a celebration of Melanie’s life memorial service on her birthday, June 9, at Clifton Gorge. Details and updates will be available at http://www.bakerhazelsnider.com.
Donations may be made to Melanie’s Joy Memorial Fund at any U.S. Bank. This fund will be used for a memorial bench placed overlooking her favorite view of Clifton Gorge in Clifton.
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