Obituary of Rhoda Jean Briggs

Rhoda Jean Briggs of Saint John, wife of Kenneth A. Briggs, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 08, 2012 at the Saint John Regional Hospital, with her family by her side. Born at Moncton, NB on November 26, 1923, she was a daughter of the late James and Jennie (Arbing) MacFarlane. Rhoda worked during the war years for the Royal Canadian Air Force in Moncton, and after raising her family in Saint John, she worked for the local School Board in several Saint John schools. Always active in her community, Rhoda was a member of Portland United Church, where she was Past President of the United Church Women and President of the Jane Henderson Unit for many years. She volunteered with the Saint John Regional Hospital Auxiliary, Meals on Wheels, Romero House, and for the United Church Clothing Depot, and was a member of the Millidgeville Seniors, the Beaus and Bells Square Dancing Club, and the Order of the Eastern Star Saint John Chapter #14. In her youth she enjoyed speed skating, and as a mother and grandmother she followed her family as they participated in various sports throughout the region. Rhoda and Ken also enjoyed many trips abroad, from which they have fond memories. In addition to her husband of 66 years, Rhoda is survived by her children, Ron Briggs (Karin) of Dartmouth, Jamie Briggs (Janet) of Dartmouth, and Jean O’Neill (Steve) of Lower Sackville, NS; her grandchildren Luke Crowther, Sabrina O’Flynn (Hugh), Jason Briggs (Suzanne), Jenna Briggs, Brett O’Neill, and Brittany O’Neill; a great grandson, Riley Alexander O’Flynn; a sister, Ruth Beattie of Moncton; and several nieces and nephews. Rhoda was predeceased by a daughter, R. Lynne Crowther and her husband Tom; a sister, Laura Agnew; and by brothers Clifford, Ralph, and Lloyd MacFarlane. Resting at Brenan's Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424), with visiting on Sunday, November 11, 2012, from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. The Funeral Service will be held from Portland United Church, 50 Newport Crescent, Saint John, on Monday, November 12, 2012 at 2:00 PM. Interment will take place at a later date. For those who wish, remembrances to any charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences and remembrances may be placed at www.BrenansFH.com.