Beloved wife of 50 years to Joseph Nugent, Barbara (1944 – 2018) came to the United States from Cornwall, England, at the age of 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, including 27 years as receptionist at Connecticut Hospice where she also arranged flowers and 20+ years as a member of the Guilford Garden Club where she served on the Board as treasurer and in many other capacities and a member of the Tree Fund Committee which planted trees around Guilford. Additionally, she was treasurer for the Whitfield South Neighborhood Association, member of the Menunkatuck Audubon and Connecticut Audubon Societies, 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 many young and old riders, encouraging many young women to continue their path in the equine world.  Barbara was a presence at the school and she cherished her camaraderie and friendships with both the horses and people.

In 2022, the Barbara Nugent Scholarship Fund was started by her husband, Joe Nugent, 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 and or Massage Therapy, Animal Science and 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.