Ruth Joan Briggs

With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Joan Ruth Briggs, a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, on May 24, 2026, at the age of ninety-four. Although one of the Briggs family’s brightest lights has gone, the warmth of her love and the memories she created will continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew her.

Joan grew up and spent her early years in New Brunswick raised by her mother. Joan met her husband Barry Long Briggs when she was a stewardess for Air Canada after she completed nursing school. He knew right away she was the love of his life. She loved to tell the story of when they met and how they fell in love. Barry proposed to Joan early into their relationship and she made him wait, but she always knew they were meant for each other.

They got married and together they raised their four boys in Dollard, Quebec. After her husband’s passing in 1987, she moved to Calgary to be closer to her children and grandchildren where she met her lifelong friend Kitty.

Adventurous and outgoing, Joan loved travelling, golfing, and spending time with others. Her fun-loving nature made her the life of any gathering, and she embraced every opportunity to enjoy life. Strong-willed and determined, she also had a generous heart and loved deeply. Above all, Joan took immense pride in her family, especially her four sons, whom she dearly cherished.

Joan was a devoted grandmother, cherished by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved to joke and secretly enjoyed the affectionate teasing from her sons. Joan will be remembered as a spirited, energetic woman who embraced life with joy and made the most of every moment. Her bright presence touched all who knew her, and after a long and purposeful life, she will be deeply missed.

She now joins her beloved husband Barry Long Briggs and two of her sons Mark and John Briggs and her mother Ruth Johnson.

Joan is lovingly remembered by her eldest son, Gary Briggs, and his wife, Patricia; her younger son, Robert Briggs, and his wife, Lorie; and her daughters-in-law, Brenda Briggs, wife of the late Mark Briggs, and Carrie Briggs, wife of the late John Briggs. Her grandchildren—Amanda (David), Stephen, Geoffrey (Alexa), Jesse (Sophie), Jennifer (Will), Cody, and Colin—and her great-grandchildren—Ethan, Caleb, Victoria, and Casey—will always remember her as a devoted grandmother and great-grandmother.

Joan’s memory will live on in the hearts of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who will always carry a part of her with them. A life well lived is never forgotten.

* This obituary has been authorized by the family of Ruth Joan Briggs for posting on the Evan J. Strong Funeral Services  website. Reproduction or redistribution without prior consent is prohibited.

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