Barbara Euclan Taft

Barbara Euclan Taft was born in Barataria on the Island of Trinidad, West Indies on December 4, 1937. The eldest of eight children, she was raised in the Catholic Church by her mother, Priscilla Agnes and her father, Paul Pantin.

Barbara attended Osmond High School in Port of Spain, Trinidad and graduated in 1953. She married Albert Fermine and from that union, a daughter, Carol, was born.

In the Spring of 1966, Barbara made a life-changing decision to come to the United States to join her sister, Patricia. She moved to Queens, New York, and began her career in the United States working for APX. Soon after, her husband, Albert, followed. One year later, the sunny climate of Southern California beckoned, and the couple relocated to Los Angeles. Carol joined her parents in the U. S. shortly thereafter.

Barbara began working for J.J. Newberry in the Accounting Department. Her skill in bookkeeping led to advancement within the company. Over the years, she worked at several store locations.

In 1980, Barbara married Thaddeus Taft and moved to Culver City, CA. The two embarked on a 32-year magnificent adventure that took them all over the world. Thad was an architect and private pilot, who owned his own plane. Together, the couple traveled to Hawaii 25 times, and journeyed to Italy, Germany, Spain, Canada, Alaska, Mexico and beyond. They shared a devotion to their children, pets, music, movies and fine dining.

In 1985, Barbara and Thad moved to Thousand Oaks, where they were well known members of the Chanteclair community. Barbara was an avid gardener and loved tending flowers and plants, especially her Roses and Orchids. She also liked collecting beautiful figurines, including Lladro, Swarovski and fine art.

Barbara leaves to cherish her memory one daughter, Carol Gayton; Three sisters: Helena Evans, Patricia Alexander and Veronica Mitchell; Three brothers: Julien Pantin, Allen Pantin and Renold Pantin; Two grandchildren: Michael Gayton and Dalmeashia Gayton; Two great-grandchildren: Cezhon Gayton and Jazmine Gayton. She was preceded in death by one sister, Lenore Clarke.

Barbara was a kind and generous woman, who responded warmly to people and pets in need. She was always sophisticated, elegant and impeccably dressed. Barbara leaves a legacy of loving family members and friends who will hold her dear in their hearts forever.