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Elizabeth R. Briggs
March 14, 2018

Obituary

The family of Elizabeth R. Briggs, wonderful and devoted mother, grandmother and great grandmother, is saddened to share news of her death on March 14th in Needham, MA at age 94, from complications of heart and lung disease.

Born in New Haven CT, the former Elizabeth Robinson was the daughter of Charlotte and Donald Robinson and sister of Martha Robinson and Ann Adair. She was a graduate of the University of Rhode Island and held a Master’s Degree in English from New York University, which was a point of pride. She married Richard D. Briggs in 1953 and together they raised three beloved children, who survive her: Richard D. Briggs Jr. and his wife Peggy, of Concord, MA, Deirdre B. Phillips and her partner Charlie Marz, of Waban, MA, and Diane B. Sullivan and her husband Jack Cadigan, of Framingham, MA. She is also survived by eight grandchildren: Tucker, Matthew and Eleanor Briggs; James and Abigail Phillips; Daniel, Jack and Katelyn Sullivan; great grandson Clark Briggs; and several nieces and nephews.

Mr. and Mrs. Briggs were residents of West Hartford, CT for almost fifty years. Mrs. Briggs was a well-respected and successful residential realtor and was active in the Universalist Church of West Hartford and the Asylum Hill Congregational Church in Hartford. She was a fabulous cook, an eager gardener, and voracious reader. A life-long learner, she enjoyed traveling, taking courses and attending lectures, as well as watercolor painting, decoupage and creative writing.

Mr. and Mrs. Briggs had many happy summers in Nantucket where they maintained a home. Mrs. Briggs loved swimming, beaching, boating, walking in the moors, and bringing family and friends together. They also maintained a home in Treasure Island, FL, for forty years, with a lively community of friends.

In 2011, Mrs. Briggs moved to North Hill in Needham, MA to be closer to her children and grandchildren. She developed a wide circle of friends and continued to enjoy learning and gardening.

The family will celebrate her life with a small private service. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Elizabeth R. Briggs may be made to Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital–Needham (148 Chestnut Street, Needham, MA 02492, www.bidneedham.org/giving).

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George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Homes
477 Washington Street
Wellesley, MA 02482
781-235-4100