Jacqueline Willye Taft

Jacqueline Willye Taft

In Loving Memory.

Jacqueline Willye Taft passed away suddenly but peacefully at Queen of the Valley

Hospital in Napa Valley, CA., November 18, 2017 with her family by her side. She is survived by

her two children, Oliver Taft Parman and Alexandria Taft Cole and their families, including four grandchildren, Phoebe, Finn, Avery and Boden.  She leaves behind many friends and family near and far. 

Jacqueline was born on August 1, 1942 in a small town outside of Springfield, Massachusetts.  She was the youngest of five brothers and one sister, which helped inform her strength of spirit and independence.  Sadly, Jacqueline faced loss early in life when her father passed away when she was only eight years old; her mother passed away but four years later. 

As a teenager Jacqueline moved to New York City, seeking employment, culture and excitement.  Her life would indeed be filled with great love, and adventure, as she and her first husband, Michael Parman, took their young children to live abroad in Europe for several years.  Jacqueline relished this time being immersed in these new cultures and embracing making new friends, music and the arts while raising her two children in France, Spain, and Italy.  Jacqueline especially cherished their summer vacations in Ibiza where she loved to entertain and delight a diverse group of friends there, go dancing, all amid the stunning Mediterranean backdrop.

After several years in Europe, the family returned to the US and lived in Connecticut. Jacqueline always retained deep respect for the importance of family, friends and taking time to enjoy life to the fullest—food, music, art, travel—with those she loved.  Her children are grateful that she instilled in them her appreciation for tradition, ritual, being together and in embracing life’s challenges as an opportunity to grow.   She is remembered for her kindness, her grace, her adventurous spirit, and for finding joy in her time with those dear to her.

There will be a private memorial with her family.

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