Janice Kathryn Taylor, 75, departed this life on July 25, 2021, at Midlothian Healthcare Center after a long struggle against the effects of two severe strokes,
Born in Dallas on June 16, 1946, Jan had lived in the Dallas area most of her life. After graduating from DeSoto High School, she began work at Southwestern Bell in Dallas. She married Richard Bucher of Arlington, and they had three children. She became a stay-at-home mom for a while and was also a charming and efficient waitress, a talent she put to good use during the many years she worked two jobs to provide for her family. Her lively personality brightened many people’s dining experience.
Jan’s main career for 33 years was in manufacturing and calibrating research-grade rain gauges at Texas Electronics Inc. Her precision work was highly valued. The gauges are used worldwide, in meteorology, like on The Weather Channel, as well as in industrial and environmental purposes. One application was a United Nations Nile River Water Conservation study. The company was then located in the Oak Lawn neighborhood, where she lived and made many great friends through the years.
In 1972, Jan began a loving domestic partnership with long-time best friend/sister Linda Porter. They celebrated 48 years together in May, 2021, and raised five wonderful children as well as many rescued pets. They joined the Episcopal faith at The Church of the Good Samaritan in Dallas.
Jan loved all music, from The Beatles and Pink Floyd, to Gershwin and Chopin, collecting more than 1,000 vinyl records and countless CDs. She was a good pianist who adored Van Cliburn and Billy Joel. She liked concerts, movies, eating at Ojedas and relaxing with a book and her favorite cat, Oliver. She also loved her red ’99 Mustang, Rosie.
Jan was predeceased by her mother, Winnie Siddall, and her daughter, Victoria Chastain. She is survived by her partner, Linda; her sons, Rick and Geoff Bucher; “step”-daughter and son, Amye White and Joel Judkins; five grandchildren, seven “step”-grandchildren and many close friends and chosen family members. Special thanks go to her angel on earth, David Anweiler.
Her final needs are being handled at West-Hurtt Funeral Home in DeSoto, and there will be a private celebration of her life at a time to be determined. Anyone wishing to honor her memory is encouraged to make a donation to their favorite pet rescue group.
