Beloved wife of 50 years to Joseph Nugent, Barbara (1944 – 2018) came to the United States from Cornwall, England, at 16.  She worked for SNET Company for 30 years before retiring as a first-level supervisor and then worked part-time for 12 years at Guilford Internal Medicine.

Barbara was engaged in the community and became a tireless volunteer with many organizations. For 27 years, she was a receptionist at Connecticut Hospice, where she also arranged flowers. The Guilford Garden Club was another passionate cause, where she volunteered for 20+ years, serving on the Board as treasurer and member of the Tree Fund Committee, which planted trees around the green. Additionally, she was treasurer for the Whitfield South Neighborhood Association, a Menunkatuck Audubon and Connecticut Audubon Societies member, and volunteered for the Friends of the Guilford Library.

Outside of work and volunteering, her love of horses brought her to The Guilford Riding School, where she rode for 27 years. Barbara inspired riders of all ages, encouraging many young women to continue their path in the equine world.  She was a presence at the school, and she cherished her camaraderie and friendships with both the horses and people.

In 2022, her husband, Joe Nugent, started the Barbara Nugent Scholarship Fund to honor his wife’s love of horses.  It is awarded annually to a female Guilford High School student who intends to pursue studies in an equine program. The scholarship parameters include equine management, equine chiropractic or massage therapy, animal or equine science, pre-vet and veterinary-large breeds, equine nutrition, and equine studies.

Barbara and Joe enjoyed travel. She had a passion and love for wildlife and fulfilled a lifetime dream when she and Joe went on an African Safari. An avid gardener and reader, she loved nothing more than going to the Guilford beach for a swim. Barbara had a special gift for caring and was loved by many.