Cannon Beach, OR (Tolovana Park) - Merril Lynn Taylor of Cannon Beach died on January 10, 2026 in Portland at age 83. She was born and raised in Farmington, New Mexico, where generations of Taylors have lived and continue their family legacy. She held a BA in English from Occidental College, attended The Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, and received a MA in Theater Arts from Portland State University. Merril Lynn traveled extensively, read extensively, was insightful and witty.

Merril Lynn dedicated her creativity to theater. She acted, directed, costumed, and produced shows in Portland and along the Oregon Coast. She taught theater at Pacific University and Clackamas Community College. She also worked in Arts Administration and was Manager of the Portland Dance Theater and the Portland Poetry Festival. In New Mexico, she was the Artistic Director of Sandstone Productions and directed Anasazi, The Ancient Ones, an outdoor musical drama of Navajo, Spanish and pioneer history.

Merril Lynn leaves behind her beloved domestic partner of more than forty years, John R. (Jack) Shields. She is survived by three siblings, Tamaris Taylor Jensen of Salt Lake City, UT, Thomas Charles Taylor (Bev), Rebecca Taylor Rhien (Robert) of Farmington, NM as well as 13 nieces and nephews whom she considered to be like her own children.

Memorial donations can be made in Merril Lynn's name to the Coaster Theatre, PO Box 643, Cannon Beach, OR 97110 or Sandstone Productions in Farmington, NM. A memorial gathering will be held for Merril Lynn at the Coaster Theatre in Cannon Beach on March 27 from noon to 3pm, followed by a "Closing Party" hosted by the Taylor family at the Cannon Beach Chamber of Commerce.