Louise Murphy Briggs, 96, a lifelong resident of Great Barrington, died peacefully and unexpectedly in the company of her loving family on Thursday, May 2, 2024. Born in Great Barrington, on April 25, 1928, she was the daughter of William C. and Hazel Knight Murphy. She was a graduate of the former Searles High School in Great Barrington.
Louise loved baking cookies and muffins for her family. She loved to read. She also enjoyed her flowers and plants, especially pansies.
Louise was a member of the Women’s Guild of St. Peter’s Church in Great Barrington and a Communicant of St. Peter’s Parish for over 60 years.
Mrs. Briggs was an avid supporter of Veterans. Her husband Raymond and two of her sons, William and James, served. Louise served on the VFW Women’s Auxiliary for over 60 years.
The family wishes to thank the Southern Berkshire Ambulance Squad, Fairview Hospital, Berkshire Medical Center, and the Great Barrington Fire Department for their compassionate response and care, as well as her many friends and neighbors.
Louise is survived by her sister and lifelong friend Hazel Murphy Mack; her sons, William J. Briggs (Deborah), James A. Briggs (Nancy), and Frank A. Briggs (Brenda); her daughters, Cheryl L. Ovitt (Garry), Pat A. Bradway, and Gina Briggs Deane (John); and her daughter-in-law Laurie Briggs. She also leaves her beloved grandchildren, William, Adam, Garry, Dawn, Chelsea, Christopher, Raymond, Dustin, James, Johnny, Ashley, Steven, and Robert, as well as 18 great-grandchildren. As Louise stated, “Her family was her legacy.” She was predeceased by her son Timothy Briggs (2022); her husband Raymond Briggs Jr. (1990); and her siblings, Virginia Murphy, Caroline Sbraccia, Charlotte Vivaldo, and Harry Murphy.
Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 7, at 10 a.m., at St. Peter’s Church, Main Street, Great Barrington, MA, conducted by Rev. William P. Murphy. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery in Great Barrington. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, May 7, from 8:30 a.m. until 9:30 a.m., at Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home in Great Barrington. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Louise may be made to Friends of Moe or Southern Berkshire Ambulance Squad through Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230. To send remembrances to her family, please visit the funeral home’s website.
