Mary Patricia Briggs

Mary Patricia (Patti) Briggs

With deep sorrow we announce Patti’s passing on November 11, 2021. 

Born March 28, 1941 Mary Patricia Briggs grew up in the warm community of Creighton Mine, Ontario as the eldest member of a five-child household. 

The value of an education was instilled in her at a young age by her parents George and Cleo. As a result, she became an all-star student as evidenced by her many public speaking awards at Copper Cliff High School.  Patti was also a recipient of the INCO Scholarship and attended the University of Toronto where she attained her Honors Bachelor of English degree, and in so doing became the first person in her family to achieve a university education. She also attended Teachers’ College at U of T.  Following her university years she settled in North Bay, Ontario which became her home. 

Mary Patricia was an educator, teaching English at Chippewa High School and later forging an over 20-year career teaching Communications at Canadore College.  She loved her work and took great pride in her ability to assist young people in the development of the essential communication skills necessary to strive & succeed in a competitive world. 

In her retirement years she contributed to her community through her involvement with the North Bay Waterfront Gardeners and her support of the arts.

But first & foremost, Patti was a vessel of love sent to us from above.  She is survived by her two thriving daughters, Kerri Elston Doherty (Charlie) and Maureen Elston Spina (Gino), along with the four apples of her eye, her precious grandchildren Anthony, Isabelle, Sophia and Daniel.

Patti was the loving sister of Monty (Shirley deceased), Christopher, Melanie (Bob Wheelan) & Greg (Elaine Moreau). She will also be deeply missed by her two special sisters Helga Briggs & Annette Porteous.

Patti was also a loving and generous aunt to her many nieces and nephews.  And to some who were fortunate to live near her she also became the GIT (grandmother in training)! And in more recent years she welcomed new members to our family with open arms.  

Patti had an innate ability to bring joy to a person simply by being in her presence. Her sunny disposition, kindness and sharp intellect will be missed by all who knew and loved her. As Abba would so aptly put it….  “Thank you for the music” Mary P!

A special thank you to Dr. Kevin Fricker, the amazing nursing staff at North Bay Regional Health Centre Pod B3, and Mr. Bill McCaskill for their kindness to our family and the compassionate care given to Patti during the final days of her life journey.

No funeral service or visitation will be held. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Please contact Greg Briggs via email at gbriggs@briggsfinancial.ca to be added to the guest list.

In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations be made to the North Bay Capitol Centre at  www.capitolcentre.org/donate