Phyllis (Jackman) Taylor, 78, of Danbury, died on April 14, 2014, at the New London Hospital. She was born in Lebanon on April 12, 1936, the daughter of S. Philip and Evelyn (Patten) Jackman and later adopted by her aunt and uncle, Beulah and Earl Lund.

She lived in Enfield and Claremont and graduated from Tilton-Northfield High School and later earned her bachelor’s degree from Plymouth State University. She had been a resident of the Clough Center in New London since 2010, previously living in Danbury for 55 years.

She taught school in Andover and Newfound and ended her career teaching sixth grade science for 17 years at Kearsarge Regional Middle School, retiring in 1988.

Phyllis attended the South Danbury Christian Church and was active with the PTO and the New Hampshire Science Teachers Association. She was interested in anything to do with children.

She served on the Danbury Planning Board from its beginning until 2009 and was the Danbury representative to the Lakes Region Planning Commission, where she received an award from the Governor.

Her real enjoyment came from being a 64-year member of the Blazing Star Grange.  She also held offices in Pomona, State, and National Grange. She was a Deputy at the State Level.

Phyllis loved to read, swim, play basketball, and teach baton twirling. At one point, she had been a professional knitter and was an amazing seamstress. She made doll clothes to help earn money and made clothing for her children. She enjoyed the ocean, horseback riding, gardening, and learning about history.

Members of her family surviving include her daughter, Tricia Taylor of Danbury; her son, Terry Taylor of Danbury; two grandchildren, Chris Ricker and his girlfriend, Michelle Vilandry, and Megan Ricker and her boyfriend, Sean McGee; three great-grandchildren, Blaze MacMullen, Lily Vilandry-Ricker, and Juliette Adams; her sister, Patricia J. Price of Keene; nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Friends called at the Chadwick Funeral Home in New London, on April 21. The New Hampshire State Grange conducted services at 7 PM. Burial will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to Blazing Star Grange, PO Box 77, Danbury 03230 or to The Clough Center, 273 County Road, New London 03257.