Jann Lynn Taaffe

Jann Lynn Taaffe, born on November 16, 1958, in Mullen, Nebraska, passed away on August 23, 2024. A woman of boundless energy, creativity, and love, Jann lived a full life, enriching the lives of all who knew her.

Jann was the youngest of three children. Her siblings have fond memories of their baby sister. Her childhood nickname “Pooh Bear,” which stayed with her throughout her life. Jann met Dan while going to Bauder Fashion College at Steak and Ale restaurant, and they were married on July 11, 1981. Together, they built a life filled with love, adventure, and shared dreams.

Many of Jann’s passions and hobbies started as a child and continued into adulthood. From sewing/crafting, sports, gardening, reading, shopping, traveling and cooking. She was an accomplished seamstress, which started as making outfits for her dolls. She continued her love of sewing for herself and daughter, even making Corey Cubs cheerleading uniforms for several years. Her design and pattern skills extended into woodworking, where she had the unique ability to look at something and figure out exactly how to build it.

Growing up, Jann enjoyed playing basketball, volleyball and softball. As a young adult, Jann played softball for the city league, as well as coached her daughter’s volleyball team. A proud Nebraska Cornhuskers fan, Jann’s love for her home state never wavered. Even after moving to Texas, Jann would watch Husker football, volleyball or basketball whenever they were on television, and did not pass up an opportunity to see them play in person.

Jann had a love of animals from a young age, having numerous dogs, cats, rabbits and even a pony growing up. The most recent family dog, Husker, was named after her favorite team.

Growing up in the country, Jann loved being outdoors and that included being around water. From pools, lakes and beaches, Jann created many wonderful memories with family and friends.

Jann was also an exceptional cook, known for making meals from scratch, a skill learned from her mother. Her homemade dinner rolls and cinnamon rolls were particularly famous among family and friends. She took pride in cooking and ensuring that every meal was made with love and care. A favorite tradition that she continued with her family was Sunday night dinner.

She also had a deep love for travel. Whether it was beach vacations, visiting family, road tripping with her daughter, or traveling abroad, Jann was up for the adventure. She was even able to fulfill a lifelong dream by taking a bucket-list trip to Greece with Dan last year.

Deeply involved in her community, Jann was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, where she was active in various ministries, including the handbell choir and teaching children’s Sunday school, while her children were growing up. Her faith was a central part of her life. She participated in Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) for many years, building deep connections and growing in her spiritual journey. While her children were growing up, Jann was a member of Corey, Boles and Martin PTA and served on their boards.

Jann’s professional life included banking after college, but she found her true calling as a homemaker, dedicating herself to raising her children. When her children were in elementary school, Jann began working as a substitute teacher, later moving on to being an executive assistant in the communications office with Arlington Independent School District. She found joy in every role she took on, especially as “Gigi” to her beloved grandsons, Sutton and Wyatt.

Jann is survived by her devoted husband of 43 years, Dan; her daughter, Mallory Knox, her husband Andy, grandchildren Sutton and Wyatt; son Cameron Taaffe, and his fiancée Allie; her sister Gail Steinacher, and her husband Rod; her brother, Alan Mallory, and his wife Diane; and many nieces, great nieces and great nephews.

A celebration of Jann’s life will be held on Wednesday, September 4th, at 10am CT at Trinity United Methodist Church in Arlington, TX. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Glioblastoma Foundation at glioblastomafoundation.org or to the American Cancer Society at donate.cancer.org.

Jann Lynn Taaffe will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Her creativity, generosity, and zest for life touched everyone who knew her. Her legacy of love and kindness will live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind.