Barbara P. Taft, 89

Barbara Pauli Taft, born Aug. 17 1927. Barbara Pauli Taft died peacefully on February 29, 2016, at Kendal in Hanover, NH. She was surrounded by family. Barbara is survived by her husband of 67 years, Hugh M. Taft; son, Roderic Taft, and his wife, Christine, of Medfield MA; daughter, Martha Taft, and her husband, Fred Weiss, of Washington DC; son-in-law, Jeffrey Taft-Dick of Springfield VT; 5 grandchildren Jonathan, Joya and Philip Taft-Dick, and Caleb and Jillian Taft; and 2 great grandchildren, She was predeceased by daughters Pamela (2014) and Paula (2007).

Born in the Boston area to William J. and Corinne D. Pauli, she and her brother, Richard, grew up in southern NH. The family moved to Rutland, VT, for high school and she graduated Rutland High, class of 1945. Barbara graduated from Green Mountain Junior College as an academic Gold Medal winner in 1947, majoring in Medical Technology. She worked at Mary Hitchcock Hospital until 1949. Barbara and Hugh were married in 1949 and moved to Springfield, VT, in 1950, where they remained enthusiastic residents until their retirement to Kendal in 1999. Barbara saw her 4 children all graduate from Springfield public schools. She served on the Springfield High School Building Committee in the late 1960s, as a representative to a State Health Care policy committee, and volunteer on many Springfield activities, such as chairwoman of the annual clothing exchange to benefit the needy.

Barbara and Hugh were loyal members of the First Congregational Church of Springfield for 49 years, particularly noted for singing in the choir. Barbara was an accomplished leader of the soprano section even though she never had formal training. Barbara was noted for her welcoming nature, particularly people of other cultures and countries. She had foreign visitors in their home frequently and hosted the AFS students at Springfield in 1967-68 (Aberash Melkie of Ethiopia) and 1969-70 (Tim Chan of Malaysia). The Taft family wishes to acknowledge and thank the staff at Kendal in Hanover for the care and love they gave to Barbara particularly in her last few years. To view an online memorial and or send a message of condolence to the family, please visit www.rand-wilson.com. A memorial service will be held at First Congregational Church, Springfield VT, at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 12. Arrangements are under the direction of the Rand-Wilson Funeral Home of Hanover, NH.