Barbara Jane Hollenbeck Taggart, 88, passed away on Friday, October 10, 2014. She is predeceased by her husband of 50 years, John M. Taggart. Barbara is survived by a large family that will miss her dearly including her sister, Susan Phillips; four daughters and sons-in-law, Patricia and Fred Konhaus, Linda and Don Boardman, Joanne and Ray Thetga and Janet and Bill Blake; two sons and daughters-in-law, John M. and Deanna Taggart, Jr., Paul and Deanna Taggart; thirteen grandchildren, Timothy and Heather Konhaus, Brycelyn Boardman, Justin Borchick, Ray, Robert, Ryan and Jessica Thetga, Jennifer, Rachel and Andrew Taggart, Nathan and Gabriel Blake; eight great grandchildren, Ciara, Aidan and Liam Konhaus, Daniel and Ella Borchick, Mykayla and Mykenzie Thetga, and Robert Thetga, Jr.; also survived by two nieces Cindy Sendzik and Judy Phillips, three nephews, Tom Taggart, Wayne Phillips and Scott Phillips; and two cousins, Chris and Robert Vorce. At the age of 48, Barbara returned to college to fulfill her lifelong dream of completing a degree in music. In 1977, she graduated from Harpur College of the State University of Binghamton with a Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Performance. Her pure soprano voice rang clear and true for many years while singing in church choirs and the Binghamton University Chorus. Barbara was a member of the Vestal Garden Club for over forty years where she enjoyed plunging her hands into the earth, beautifying the neighborhood and in later years, just chatting with friends and knitting caps for newborns. She donated multiple hours of her time to assisting kids with special needs. Barbara was a killer bread maker and always had chocolate chip cookies on hand for her grandchildren who were often found trying to sneak them out of the cookie jar. She was an avid reader, making weekly trips to the local library and was also a huge fan of Syracuse University football and basketball. Barbara had a great love of travel whether in a tent, trailer, motorhome or on a cruise ship that allowed her to experience multiple continents and cultures. One of her greatest joys included enjoying the quiet while gazing across still waters. Barbara was a fierce and loving protector of her large and rather boisterous family who will continue to celebrate her life through stories and laughter.
Memorial services will be held Thursday at 2 pm at the First Presbyterian Church of Binghamton at 42 Chenango Street, Binghamton the Reverend Ronald Thomas will officiate. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in her memory may be made to the Friends of the Vestal Public Library, 320 Vestal Parkway East, Vestal, NY 13850.