Dianne Lee Taylor Mueller

Dianne Lee Taylor Mueller, R.N., passed away peacefully on February 9, 2025, at the age of 85. Born on February 26, 1939, she was the beloved daughter of Isabelle and Stanley Taylor. Dianne was predeceased by her devoted husband, Dr. Richard A. Mueller.

Dianne's life was defined by a deep love for family, a passion for learning, and a remarkable array of skills and talents. She is survived by her three children: Gretchen Mueller Burke (Justin Burke) of Carmel, California; Richard Andrew Mueller (Ellen McCarthy Mueller) of Antigua, Guatemala; and Ingrid Mueller Angier (Kent Angier) of Park City, Utah. Dianne’s legacy lives on through her nine cherished grandchildren: Isabelle, Oliver, and Maximilian Burke; Ryan, Andrew, and Caroline Mueller; and Bridgette, Annaliese, and Catherine Angier - all of whom affectionately called her Moma. She is also survived by her sisters, Shirley Taylor Miller and Carol Taylor Manchester, and many nieces and nephews.

Dianne was born and raised in Brea, California, and never grew tired of telling everyone she was a proud native of the state. A graduate of Brea Olinda High School, she thrived in being part of her school community. She excelled in all social and leadership roles and particularly enjoyed being a song leader. She was always at the heart of school events.

Aspiring to educate herself further, she graduated from Fullerton Junior College and Orange County General Hospital School of Nursing. Her profession brought her fulfillment and pride, and she would often reflect upon her work with psychiatric patients and the experiences she had during her career.

Dianne was an avid reader with a passion for books that filled her home’s extensive library. She was also an expert in a variety of needlework techniques, from needlepoint and petit point to knitting and sewing. Her artistry in these interests was matched only by her love of cooking and entertaining. Dianne was a wonderful chef, known for hosting beautiful parties and creating warm, welcoming gatherings for her loved ones.

She had an adventurous spirit, traveling to exotic places in Africa, Asia, and South America at a time when few ventured so far. She also traveled many times to Europe. Her home was filled with wonderful treasures from around the world, and her house and gardens became her sanctuary.

The most important thing in life to Dianne was her children, and she was driven to provide her family with more than she had as a child. She made countless sacrifices to ensure her children had solid educations and were given varied opportunities to enhance their learning. She was instrumental in strengthening the bonds that extended to relatives, organizing visits that formed lasting memories and deep connections among extended family members.

In her later years, she was passionate about the issues of the day and was never one to shy away from expressing her opinion. She dedicated much time to causes she held dear, like iHelp and Wounded Warriors, making soups and serving the homeless while enjoying the company of the patrons she served with compassion.

Dianne’s love for her family and her many talents have left a lasting mark on all who knew her. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of her children, grandchildren, and all those fortunate enough to have known her.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, February 14, at 10:00 am at the Carmel Mission Basilica, 3080 Rio Road, Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. Committal will be private.

Memorial gifts in honor of Dianne L. Mueller may be made to the Carmel Mission, 3080 Rio Rd., Carmel, CA, 93923.