Helen Donaldson Taft

Newport, RI - Helen Donaldson Short Taft, 89, of ?Beechbound? at 127 Harrison Avenue, Newport, RI, formerly of Longmeadow, MA, died Wednesday, August 16, 2006 at Newport Hospital, Newport, RI. She was the wife of the late Richard Taft, whom she met and married in Newport, where they summered for most of their lives. Born in Calgary Alberta, Canada, on July 17, 1917, she was the daughter of the late Frederick William and Luella Donaldson Short. Mrs. Taft moved with her father from Canada to Schenectady, NY at the early age of 12, then relocated to Newport. She attended Rogers High School and URI where she majored in business administration and also attended Washington University in St. Louis. After college she met and married Richard Taft. During the next several years they lived in various locations including Longmeadow, MA and St. Louis, MO. Once they settled in Longmeadow, she began a career in real estate. After several successful years, she formed a partnership with Richard McCullough, the McCullough and Taft Realty firm where she worked until her retirement. She enjoyed sailing with her husband over the years and was active in sailing in Marblehead, MA, and Newport. Mrs. Taft was also an active volunteer over the years, at St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Longmeadow and the YWCA in Springfield. After her husbands?s death, Newport became her permanent residence. Through the help and dedication of her family and caregivers she was able to remain at ?Beechbound? the home she loved throughout the remainder of her life. She is survived by her daughters, Louise ?Donnie? Decker of Stamford, VT, and Linda Driscoll of Longmeadow, MA, her grandchildren Richard Todd Decker of Whitingham, VT, Wendy Lynn Landau of Daly City, CA, Lauren Driscoll and James Driscoll, both of Longmeadow, MA, and her great grandchildren, Jully Ann and Dylan Todd Decker of Whitingham, VT, Sarah Jean Landau of Daly City, CA, and Alexander, Janee and Raylynn Driscoll all of Longmeadow, MA. She also leaves a longtime companion Ned Sherman of Middletown, RI. At her request funeral and burial services will be private.In recognition of the diligent care given to Mrs. Taft over the years, the family would like donations to be made to the Newport Hospital, 19 Friendship Street, Newport, RI 02840