Joan Briggs

Joan Briggs Joan P. Briggs died peacefully in her sleep on the early morning of March 30, 2019. She was preceded in death by her husband George U. Briggs and sons Patrick O. Briggs and Tim Briggs. She is survived by her only daughter Georgeann “Boo” Harty and grandson Ian G. Harty. She is also survived by her son in-law, Mike Harty, whom she loved as her own son, and by his children Hellen and Travis. Joan was born in Globe, AZ to Ralph “Shorty” and Margaret Phillips in 1932. She enjoyed moving about and living in upstate NY with her husband George and their first born Pat, in the early 1960s. She raised her family of 3 kids in Phoenix AZ, with a dedication to her children that was beyond exemplar. She sacrificed for her children and tried to give them the best childhoods possible. She fostered a love of animals and helping others in her children. She volunteered often in the community and would create art and cater events for fun. She cared for her parents and Mother in-law and finally her husband. She was devastated by the death of her eldest son Patrick in 1990, and her youngest son Timmy in 2014. When George was terminally ill in 1994 Joan took George and moved to the Oregon Coast. They lived happily for years in the woods outside of Port Orford. When George passed in 2001 she stayed in Port Orford and volunteered at the Hughes House and enjoyed the whales and windy ocean. She was adventurous and strong willed. She and her dog Ren would travel and enjoy themselves! When her daughter and family moved to Gold Beach nearby, she enjoyed helping raise her only grandchild, Ian, most of all. Ian was a very lucky boy to have the best Bramma in the world. Joan moved to Eugene with her son Tim and Daughter Boo and family in 2011. She loved the flowering trees in the springtime, but always missed the ocean of Port Orford. Joan will live on in the hearts of her friends Koko, Dave, and Nancy. She will be remembered and loved by family near and far. Her generosity, uplifting and supportive attitude, and sarcastic humor will never be forgotten by anyone who knew her. No matter where she lived her home was always open and full of love. She will be missed so very much by those of us who love her. If you would like to honor Joan Briggs please donate to a local cat or dog shelter, help support feral cat feeding, and shop at thrift stores that support non profit animal rescue agencies.