Rhoda Cecelia Briggs

Rhoda Cecelia Briggs, 81, of International Falls, formerly of Sawyer, died peacefully with her loving family by her side on Friday, March 23, 2007 in St. Mary's Medical Center in Duluth. She was born in 1926 in Sawyer to Harry and Maggie St. John. Rhoda grew up and attended school in Sawyer. On July 16, 1947 she was united in marriage to Lester "Jack" Briggs in Duluth. They made their home in Duluth until moving to International Falls in 1950. Rhoda was an enrolled member of the Fond du Lac Band of the Lake Superior Chippewa; a very active member of the Native American Community and a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in International Falls. In 2000, Rhoda received an honorary degree from Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College in Cloquet. Her entire life was devoted to her children and grandchildren. Rhoda was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Briggs; sons, Jack Jr. and David; daughter, Margaret Ann Briggs; two great granddaughters, Bailey and Madison Briggs; brother, Herman "Bud" Trotterchaude. She is dearly loved and will be sadly missed by her children, Stephen (Dianne) Briggs of International Falls, Jan (David) Paczkowski of Ramsey, Thomas (Judy) Briggs of Minnetonka, and Kathleen (Christian) Rognerud of International Falls; brother, Dennis (Linda) St. John of Grand Rapids; sisters, Beatrice Huie and Dorothy Lambert both of Sawyer; 16 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. The family would like to extend a special thank you to all those who so professionally and lovingly cared for Rhoda and her entire family. Mass of Christian Burial was held on Wednesday, March 28, 2007 in St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in International Falls. Burial was in Forest Hill Cemetery in International Falls. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Jack Briggs Scholarship Fund, c/o FDLTCC, 2101 14th St., Cloquet, MN 55720. Both Northland Funeral Home in Cloquet and Green Larsen Funeral Home in International Falls are assisting the family with arrangements. Sign their guest book at www.northlandfuneralhome.com or www.green-larsen.com