Barbara Gail Briggs (née Henderson)

Barbara Gail Briggs (née Henderson) passed away peacefully on January 27, 2025, at the Ottawa Civic Hospital, with her husband, Ernie, and sons, Chris and Warren, by her side.

Born in Ottawa on March 26, 1939, to Charles Douglas and Lee Henderson, Barbara was a beloved only daughter. She spent her early years in Fort William, ON, later moving to the Town of Mount Royal, where she made lifelong friends. She graduated from St. Mary’s Hospital Nursing School in 1960.

Barbara began her career as a VON nurse in Halifax, NS, where she met the love of her life, Ernest (Ernie) Briggs. They married on August 26, 1964, and settled in Summerside. As a devoted military wife, she built lasting friendships across Canada and beyond. Along the way, she worked as a real estate agent while raising her sons.

Passionate about the arts, Barbara taught painting for several years. She loved entertaining, traveling, and hosting guests from around the world. She possessed a strong character and deep faith. Family was always her greatest joy.

Barbara faced health challenges with resilience and grace, but a recent illness proved too much. She passed quietly, surrounded by loved ones, after a life well lived.

She is survived by her husband, Ernest; sons, Chris (Kanata, ON) and Warren (Toms River, NJ); daughters-in-law, Cathy Briggs and Kristen Szydlowski; and seven grandchildren, Cole, Ian, Alicia, Nick, Jillian, Simon, and Tegan.

A funeral service will be held at Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Church at 10:30 a.m., followed by interment and a celebration of life at Beechwood Cemetery.