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.
Livre de visiteurs
Patty and Graham Deline
Brian & JoAnn Mehr
We are so very sorry for your loss.
Thinking of you all with love.
Marianne Davidson
My heart is broken for you Uncle Ernie and Chris and Warren and your families. Aunt Barbara had the biggest heart and loving soul. I didn’t have long to get to know her but she changed my life. I will always remember her. My thoughts are with you all.
Stacey McLean & Family.
We are sending our deepest sympathies on the loss of such a beautiful woman. I had the privilege of spending time with Barbara over the years and she was a woman of such grace and beauty. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time.
The Rossi's
Chris, Kathy and family, our heart is breaking with you. Focus on the great memories.
Ted and Susan Szydlowski
We are so sad and deeply loved her.
Jason and Boni Wallace
We are heartbroken ! God bless the Briggs family
Kathleen Pantalone Dunn
My dearest first cousin. I will love you and miss you forever. I know that you and mom are gabbing and laughing it up in heaven. You are the most beautiful, wonderful soul. God bless!!
Gillian McColgan & Seth Muriph
So sad to hear the news of your Mum's passing, condolences to your father and the whole extended family
Nina Gazale
Sincere condolences dear Ernie, Warren and Chris. Barbara was an amazing Lady, sweet but strong, full of life. I am happy that I had the opportunity to see her one more time few months ago. Rest in peace dearest friend, you are no longer suffering. You will be missed but never forgotten.
Please accept our deepest sympathy on the loss of Barb. SHe was a bright light at the Barclay and will be missed.