Obituary of Elsie Barber Trask

Elsie Barber Trask, a resident of Sterling Glen since 1998, has spent many of her 100 years raising funds as a Board member for favorite projects such as the New York State Charities Aid, passed away on Wednesday, April 11, 2007 at Stamford Hospital. Elsie was also a resident of Darien and spent 73 summers on Martha’s Vineyard in the house and studio of her Aunt Enid Yandell, the Sculptor. Born in 1907 in New York City, she was the daughter of the late Donn and Elsie (Yandell) Barber. She was 100. Elsie graduated from Chapin School in New York City in 1925. She attended Barnard College also in New York City. Elsie worked at St. James’s Galleries in New York City specializing in English Antique Furniture. She was an interior decorator for 60 years. She was a principal in the firm of Trask & Clark. Elsie worked with the State Charities Aid Association and was president of their Suffolk County Committee on Children and Public Welfare. She was also involved in the Antiquities Committee of the Colonial Dames of America and later became president general. She headed a successful campaign which, resulted in the purchase of the building west of the CDA New York City. The building could be expanded and their headquarters, a historic Dutch Inn, could be made into the museum it is today. One of her passionate interest was guiding the Chapin School from which she graduated and later became president of the Chapin Alumnae and a Trustee. It was her vision to strengthen the Alumnae in scope, interest and create innovate ideas for fundraising, such as planning a trip to The White House where Alumna Jackie Kennedy welcomed her fellow school mates. She had a life long interest in people, particularly the young, and was interested in what their plans were to make their lives fruitful and interesting. Her interest included her family, the education of women, historical restoration and fundraising. She was a loving mother, sister, aunt, grandmother and great grandmother bringing her joy and enthusiasm to everyone. Her memberships included the Cosmopolitan Club of New York City, the Decorator Club, and the Edgartown Yacht Club in Edgartown, MA. She was also president of the Edgartown Boys Club. Elsie was predeceased by her husband of 37 years, John J. Trask, a stockbroker and a member of the New York Stock Exchange. Her father, Donn Barber, who was born and raised in New York was a famous architect in New York City. Among the buildings that he designed was the Cotton Exchange, the Julliard School of Music, the Traveler’s Building in Hartford and private homes. Her grandfather, Lunsford P. Yandell, M.D., was a doctor in the Civil War who passed away in 1884. She is survived by a daughter, Elsie Trask Wheeler and her husband Halsted of Rowayton, CT; two sons, John J. Trask and his wife, Jill of Pennington, NJ and Richard T.B. Trask and his wife, Cindy of Old Greenwich, CT. She is also survived by seven grandchildren, Ethan, Emma, Lucy, Jake, Will Trask, Chelsie Wheeler Olney and her husband Sandy; and Blue Wheeler and his wife Adrienne; and two great grandchildren, Myles Trask Olney and Hadley Trask Wheeler. Many nieces and nephews also survive. A memorial service will be held at a later date. A Graveside Service took place in Stonington Cemetery in Stonington, CT. The Edward Lawrence Funeral Home, Darien, CT handled the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made in her honor to your favorite charity. Funeral Home: Edward Lawrence Funeral Home 2119 Post Road Darien, CT USA 06820