Taylor Crystine Schilling, of Colorado, passed away on October 25, 2025, at the age of 34. She was born on September 16, 1991, to Christopher and Debra Schilling.  

Taylor grew up in Colorado and attended Chatfield High School before graduating from Pikes Peak Community College. From a young age, she showed a deep compassion for all living creatures, which led her to dedicate her career to caring for animals. As a veterinary technician, Taylor’s gentle nature, patience, and unwavering dedication touched the lives of countless pets and their families.  

Her love for big cats was particularly special, and she cherished her internships with the Center for Animal Research and Education (CARE) and Big Cat Habitat, where she could work closely with some of her favorite creatures. Beyond her professional life, Taylor’s friends and family knew her as a kind, thoughtful, and fiercely loyal presence. She had a bright sense of humor, a love of nature, and a way of making everyone feel seen and valued.  

Taylor is survived by her parents, Christopher Sheri) and Debra Schilling; her sister, Audra Uht (Jon); her brother, Aaron Schilling; her partner in life, Erica Walters; her aunts, Cyndi Adams (Danielle Jordan), Carrie Valdez (Chris), and Kari Sellers-Jensen (David); and her cousins, Austin Valdez (Britt), Cassandra Valdez, Alaina Jordan, Jenay Kopf (Jon), and Kylie Sellers. She is also survived by her beloved nana, Sharon Mueller. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Dwaine and Marjorie Schilling, and Gary Mueller.  

A Celebration of Life will be held in Taylor’s honor on Friday, December 5, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Red Rocks Country Club, 16235 W. Belleview Ave., Morrison, Colorado. Family and friends are invited to share memories

and celebrate the life of a devoted, loving, and extraordinary soul who will be deeply missed.  

Taylor’s love for animals was boundless. As a devoted intern and volunteer, she poured her heart into caring for the big cats—especially Milo, the leopard, who she now holds once again in her loving arms.

In lieu of flowers, Taylor wished for donations to be made to CARE, the sanctuary she loved so deeply. Her light and compassion will forever live on in the animals she helped and the hearts she touched. Donations in her honor can be made below.