Diane Ferris Taylor (87) of Redding, Connecticut died of natural causes on Saturday, September 10, 2016.  Diane was the daughter of Florence and Frank Ferris and is survived by her sister Lee Kallos of Wilmington, Delaware. Other survivors include nieces and nephews, Jay Kallos (Claudia) of Atlanta, Georgia, Wendy Nixon of Rowayton, Connecticut, Tracey Wilkerson (Gary) of Orlando, Florida.  Grandnieces include Allie, Eliza, and Bella Nixon, and Ashley and Rebecca Wilkerson. She was predeceased by her husband Melville Taylor.

Diane graduated from the Masters School, Dobbs Ferry, New York, attended Tufts University and graduated from the University of Connecticut. She was employed by Price-Waterhouse and later Heli-Coil Corporation.

Diane was a long-term member and served as Chairman of the Redding Planning Commission of Redding, Connecticut until her death. She was especially proud of having played a part in the approval of the Meadow Ridge Retirement Community.

Diane and her late husband Mel raised championship Harlequin Great Danes. She was a past President of the Great Dane Club of America.  Diane was President of the Newtown Kennel Club and the Stewards Club of America and an American Kennel Club delegate for 25 years. She served as a dog show judge and steward for many years.

She and her husband Mel were avid sailors who enjoyed sailing the Caribbean, in both the US and British Virgin Islands.

Funeral services will be held at Christ Church, 184 Cross Highway, Redding Ridge, CT 06896 at 2 PM on Friday Oct. 28, 2016 followed by a reception in the church hall.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made in Mrs. Taylor's name to the Great Dane Club of America Jean Highlands 10196 Belmeadow Drive Twinsburg, OH 44087 or the Mark Twain Library 439 Redding Rd, West Redding, CT 06896 .