We first met Jane, and indeed Peter, in 1961 when Karin found herself
"homeless" in Wimbledon. I was living with a bassoonist in Dora
Road, who was a friend of Jane, and Karin had to find alternative accommodation,
because the landlord we had initially found for Karin turned out to be
strongly anti-German. And so we were introduced to the Taylor family
and the friendship began.

Over the years we spent many hours together in Jane's Wimbledon garden,
drinking Peter's home-made brews, having supper together, meeting their
friends/family and later the children, discussing world affairs, religion and
especially the UK political scene. Politically it was a meeting of the somewhat
far left with what Jane probably thought was to the right of Genghis Khan.
There was never an unpleasant moment and I learned a lot over the years, and
indeed a lot to think about. Jane was a superb host, intelligent,interesting,
fluent and great fun. Peter and Jane were a contented unit. They were both just
very nice people, seeking to help others in any way they could. Peter was
what the Germans would call "die Ruhe selbst", at peace with all
around him. You could not fail to leave their home other than also at peace.
Jane complained for years that the smell of cigar hung over their home after we
left. It proved a relief when I stopped too many years later.

Family remained a central cause for Jane. She worried for them, she made an
effort, not always successful, to keep some thoughts to herself, and she
radiated her love for children and grandchildren. So as the years passed Karin
and I had much to exchange. We stayed in their lovely home in Dorset and
although our visits became less frequent after we moved to the States in
1983 we kept in touch, so that the friendship was always fresh when we met
again. This year we had a splendid two weeks together when Jane stayed with us
in Naples, Florida. It was all together a very happy time for her with
Emma's wedding just before she visited us. At 80 she remained vibrant, as
interesting and decent as ever. All our friends loved her.

She has left us earlier than she should have and we are so sorry for that, but
her family can be very proud of her as they mourn her loss. It was a life worth
living.

We send our love. Jane and her family will be much in our thoughts on
September 18th.

Michael and Karin Naples Florida.