In Loving Memory of Barbara Ross, Our Beloved Friend and Devoted Supporter
On Saturday 14 June, our dearest friend and passionate supporter of The Tait Memorial Trust passed away peacefully, surrounded by love.
She faced the terrible challenge of pancreatic cancer with extraordinary courage and determination. In true Australian spirit, she explored every possible avenue for hope. She researched tirelessly, joined clinical trials, and consulted specialists both in the UK and in Germany. Her strength and perseverance were an inspiration to us all.
She never gave up. Every new treatment brought renewed hope, and we stood beside her, believing and praying for a miracle. Her doctors gave everything they could, and we are forever grateful for their care and dedication.
We shared birthdays only a day apart. I was born on 30 May and she on 31 May. Her loving family gave her a beautiful 85th birthday celebration, gathered around her bedside. It was a moment full of warmth and gratitude.
We will miss her enormously. She gave so much of herself to The Tait Trust through her energy, intelligence, and unwavering support. Even in her final months, she remained deeply involved and curious about everything we were working on. We spoke often by FaceTime, and she was always cheerful, making wry comments about the morphine that was easing her pain. Her interest in our activities never faded.
We treasure every moment we spent with her. From concerts to committee meetings to solving problems together, she was a vital presence. Her commitment to the Trust was wholehearted.
Last year she suggested organising a Corroboree with Australian First Nations performers. She had witnessed a powerful traditional dance in Perth many years earlier and managed to locate a film clip of it. Although the event did not happen, her passion and creativity sparked something important.
Her musical knowledge was exceptional, and we were honoured that she believed in our mission and shared it so generously. She formed lasting friendships within our committee and with fellow Australians in the UK, keeping alive the spirit of her homeland.
She was a deeply spiritual person, full of love, dignity, and grace. We will never forget her beautiful personality or the light she brought into our lives.
To honour her memory, we are dedicating a performance of an anthem written in 1940 by Australian composer June Epstein for St Catherine’s School in Melbourne. The piece sets the words of 1 Corinthians 13 to music. At her request, we will use the word “love” in place of the biblical “charity.” It will be performed by two sopranos and a quartet with horn from The Tait Trust.
She was truly a unique and unforgettable person. We loved her deeply.
May she rest in peace.
Her funeral will take place at Golders Green Crematorium on Monday 1 July at 11.30 am, followed by a gathering at her apartment in Regent’s Park.
The Tait Memorial Trust
The Tait Memorial Trust was formed in 1992 by Isla Baring OAM in memory of Sir Frank and Viola, Lady Tait and the Tait brothers who played such an important part in the establishment of theatre and the performing arts in Australia & New Zealand. The Trust offers awards/grants for postgraduate study, performance opportunities to young musicians and performing artists from Australia and New Zealand, and general help in the furtherance of their careers while resident in the UK.
Registered Charity in England & Wales: 1042797
info@taitmemorialtrust.org
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