Phyllis Briggs

Poland,

Phyllis Edna (Richard) Briggs born Thursday, April 20, 1933 passed away peacefully on Friday, August 13, 2021 (88 yrs old) with her families support as a result of Alzheimer’s Disease.

Mom was a loving Mother and Wife to her family and we  will miss her quick wit and sense of humor. Always the organizer (notwithstanding the giant pocketbook with everything in it) Mom continually made notes as reminders for herself and family which improved the quality of our lives. She kept track of many things for many people and even kept track of statistics for her beloved NE Patriots Football team. A wonderful cook and homemaker (notably whoopie pies and homemade donuts), she held down many jobs including shoe factory work and retail store support, but most importantly, Mom was tirelessly working for her family.

 Mom was the second youngest of 10 children and always marveled at how her own mother was able to manage such a large family in times that had few conveniences. She passed on many family traditions to her own family, particularly the tradition of making Putsins (a French-Canadian Potato/Pork Dish) during the Christmas Holiday. For her four young children, watching and helping Mom make Putsins was a sure indication that Santa was not far away. Growing up in the Great Depression, Mom had little at Christmas time and we were always amazed at how many presents “Santa” would leave for us.

 She worked as a young girl in Madison, ME at the movie theater and was popular for serving the most heavily buttered popcorn and managed to save enough money to buy her first car. In her mid-twenties she met and married Douglas Briggs and they began their life together that has lasted more than 60 years. Mom enjoyed crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, dancing, singing, playing piano and playing cards with their special friends Ivan and Marilyn.  Mom was always exquisitely groomed and was adamant about her nails being polished, her perfectly selected earrings in place and her beautiful family jewelry displayed for all to see. Mom was an extraordinary women who made the most of every situation and was an eternal optimist. Our hearts are broken but thankful she has finally found peace from this terrible disease. The family is especially grateful to Mae who was her Nursemaid and Caregiver for over 18 months and was with her through and up until her death. Mae we can never repay the love and care you gave to our Mother.  Thank You.

Phyllis is survived by her loving husband Douglas, her four children Brian Briggs and life partner Theresa Girouard of Poland, Lori Simpson of Farmington, Leisa Brooks of Windham and Bruce Briggs and wife Ann of Freeport, one sister, Ann Marie McCarthy of Madison and husband Leland, five grandchildren Nathan and Derek Simpson, Benjamin and Emily Briggs and Lauren Briggs and eight great grand children as well as many nieces and nephews. 

She is pre-deceased by her mother Delma (Willette) Richard, father Edward Richard, brothers Aural, Omar and Hubert (killed in WWII at 21 yrs. old), sisters Yvette, Lorraine, Marjorie, Virginia and Jennette.

Please visit with the family from 10:30 to 11:00 am on August 28, 2021 28th at Giberson Funeral Home 40 Maple Street Madison.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your local animal shelter or to Alzheimer's Association

383 US Route One #2C, Scarborough, ME 04074

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