Lucile E. Briggs

Lucile E. Briggs, 91, of Exeter RI peacefully passed away on the morning of December 2, 2023, at home surrounded by the love and prayers of family and friends.  She was the devoted wife of 58 years to Frederick A. Briggs Jr. (Allie) until his death in 2010.

“Lou” was the 3rd of 4 children born to Antonio and Clara (Robert) Heroux.  She was raised in West Warwick, attended Notre Dame Parochial school and graduated W.W.H.S. (1950).

Lou and her husband, Allie, raised their family in East Greenwich. In 1968, she and Allie opened a Donut Shop in North Kingstown, (Allie’s Donuts). Lou used her art talent and creative skills to decorate cakes for the business. When the demand for donuts outweighed the need for cakes it was okay with Lou because with 7 children to raise there were plenty of needs and demands right at home.  She did keep her hand in a bit of business though by selling cakes from home, Avon, Tupperware, and the like. The social opportunities were important for Lou, whose humor and good nature made her a great hostess.

In the late 70’s, Lou and Allie started their second business, Allie’s Tack Shop, a riding outfitter and pet and livestock supply store. Lou learned all about the goods and merchandise quickly. She enjoyed arranging displays and shopping trade shows. Her father had owned a general store and she learned from him how important connecting with people was.

In her retirement she and Allie would tour North America on his motorcycle.  They would take trips to watch baseball teams and see the country. Lou made friends from all over and kept up correspondence with many. She loved being on the back of the bike with Allie, she felt safe and was always ready for adventure.

She loved to bowl and was great at it. Her 90th Birthday party was at the bowling alley. She had the highest score and put on a clinic for the rest of us. She traveled all over for tournaments and had a blast. She also really loved the Red Sox. For one of her birthdays her grandson, Matt, got her name on the jumbo screen, and Mookie Betts gave her a signed ball. (She liked Mookie because he could also bowl). But for most games, she liked watching from home. After the game, her best friend for over 70 years, Barbara would call her and they’d do a play-by-play recap. They would always end up laughing and making plans to go to Hack and Livery in Hope Valley. Lou liked the jars of penny candy all stocked full on the shelves that reminded her of her father’s store. She always liked the puzzle selection too.

Returning to R.I. after Allie’s death, Lou was able to spend time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Being a Memere brought her the most joy. Always preserving memories, she filled volumes of journals, photo albums and scrapbooks. She found it relaxing to sit by the pavilion on the lawn by the NK Senior Center, look out over the water and read or draw, take a few photos and maybe catch a glimpse of the tug with her son-in-law on it steaming in.

She lived her life as a shining example of her faith and trust in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Her love and concern for others - family, friends, and strangers- was a daily reminder to those close to her to “love thy neighbor as thyself”. Her resilience and strength in the face of loss or health struggles was amazing and inspiring.

Along with her husband, and parents Lucile is predeceased by her eldest son, Frederick A. (Ricky) Briggs III, and her sister, B. Dorothee St. Sauveur. She is survived by her older brother Gerard (Yvette) of WW, and younger sister Estelle Blais of WW. Her eldest daughter Anne (Bud) Drescher of NK, Stephen ( Maryann) of NK, Cynthia ( Brian) Atkin of Virginia, Rebecca of NK, Michael of NK, and Jane(Gordon) Clough of Exeter, Her 11 Grandchildren and 2 Great Grandchildren and many more family and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday December 18th at 11:00 am at St. Francis de Sales Church, School St., North Kingstown. Burial will be in Glenwood Cemetery, East Greenwich. Visitation prior to the service will be held from 9:00 am – 10:30 am in the Hill Funeral Home, 822 Main St., East Greenwich.