Barbara I Taffe

Barbara Infanta Bartlett (Taffe), born in Jamaica West Indies on December 28, 1942, to Roslyn Edwards and Anthony Bartlett. At the age of 2 Barbara and her sister Amy went to live with their Fraternal Grandparents and 7 cousins in Kingston 13 at 8 Galloway Rd. Barbara was raised Catholic and confirmed. As a youth Barbara would read the newspaper to her grandfather daily which piqued her interest in politics and helped her to win the local Spelling Bee, the prize was a jar of Letterman's hard candy which was a story that she fondly shared with her family and loved ones. When Barbara became an adult, she was a solider in the Women’s Royal Army Corps. She wore Khakis and rode a bicycle to work every day, yet another fun fact about Barbara that she was proud of. Barbara was discharged in March 1960. She met her husband Leonard Taffe in Jamaica where they married. In 1962 Barbara migrated to The United Sates for a better life and was later joined by Lenny in 1963. The marriage produced four children Paul, Donna Marie, Robyn, and Robert. Barbara went on to help her siblings and their families obtain visas and to migrate to America as well. She was known as the Harriet Tubman to our large family and friends. Barbara and Lenny raised their children in Teaneck, NJ and when they became empty nesters they moved to Harriman, NY. Barbara and Lenny later moved to Florida but then later returned to New Jersey in 2000. Barbara’s career in Cardiac Care spans over forty years, working at NY French Policlinic, Englewood Hospital, NYU, Baptist Hospital of Miami, FL, Miami Heart Institute, and Valley Hospital-Ridgewood, NJ. During her career Barbara received several accolades and awards for her accomplishments and willingness to assist others. Barbara loved to travel, read, and crochet, but her favorite pastime was spent with her love ones and grandchildren. She enjoyed helping others, whether at work or a stranger on the street. Barbara had a very kind, loving, and positive attitude towards life and even after surviving cancer 3 times she still kept a positive attitude and outlook on life. She was a member of Community Baptist Church for 18 years where she looked forward to attending each and every Sunday to give praise and worship. She leaves to cherish her memory, her children: Donna , Robyn, and Robert. Siblings: Amy, Raymond, Lorna, Leo, and Deborah. Grandchildren: Makedia, Kristina, Bianca, Elan, Taylor, Vanessa, Jonathan, and Olivia Great-grandchildren: Jacob, Jade, Hudson, Austyn, Kingston, Maxwell, Czar, Emory and one new blessing on the way. In-laws, and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins to celebrate her life. Barbara is preceded in death by her husband, Leonard Taffe and son, Paul Taffe. Although Barbara may be gone physically, she’ll live forever in our hearts spiritually. Each day you awake, thank God for another day, smile in her name, and mercies she made. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Barbara's memory to the Children of Jamaica Outreach. http://cojokids.org/maxfield_profile.htm

Barbara I Taffe

May 26, 2022