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.
Digital Guestbook
Ute Webb
Brian Barker
My deepest sympathies to Ernie, Warren and Chris and the entire Briggs Family. My father Vern and Mum, June were best friends with Ernie and Barbara going back to the Voodoo days in Comox in the 1970s. My Mum and Barb remained the closest of friends for so many years sharing stories about their Italian heritage and being AIr Force wives. Barbara was such a delightful lady so easy to talk to and such a great connection to my past. I know my brother Darren and sister Heidi feel the same way. I still have a beautiful painting she did back in 70s. She will be missed very much.
Brian Barker
Sid Cratzbarg
Barbara was a beautiful woman who loved life. I know how difficult it had been for her in the last few years. I have wonderful memories of our chats. May she rest in peace
Viviane Awad
My dear friend Barbara, I love you and will always remember you? It is true we met only few years ago but it felt like I have known you all my life, you became so dear and near to my heart and one I connected to very quickly. May your most beautiful soul rest in peace. Praying for your family and all your loved ones to find peace and comfort in your departure from this world, knowing that you will shine like a star in heaven, just as you did on earth. I will miss you my dear friend until we meet again in heaven.
Denis and Claudia Cudahy
So sorry for your loss, our sincerest condolences.
My dear friend, generous and loyal to her friends, always ready to laugh at life's silliness, strong, kind, loving and gracious, loving life and proud of her Italian heritage, I will miss you very much, dear Barb.