Joan Marie Briggs

Joan is also preceded in death by her brothers, James and Edward Jungquist.

She is survived by her loving children Michael (Laurie) Briggs of Dunkirk, Mary Jo (Greg) Briggs-Austin of South Carolina, Edward Briggs of Florida, and Jody (Donald) Falkner of Cassadaga. Her grandchildren Nadine, Michael Jr., Ryan, Natasha, Nicholas, Breanna, Trevor, Kara, Edward II, Joshua, Allan, and Ashley, 9 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins.

Joan graduated from Cardinal Mindszenty High School in Dunkirk, NY, and married the love of her life, Harry D. Briggs, on September 22, 1962. Joan was the center of a large, tight-knit, and loving family and proudly wore the title of Mom, Gaga, and Aunt Joanie. She often had a house full of grand- children, and that is how she liked it best, surrounded by her family.

When Joan’s children were little, she spent countless hours sewing handmade clothing. She enjoyed working a variety of jobs during her lifetime. She worked the opening shift at Pete’s Newsstand and would take 1- 2 of her kids with her to help assemble newspapers, make coffee, and spend fun time together. She was employed as a sales associate at Town & Country and Bells Grocery Store and spent many years as a ward clerk at Brooks Memorial Hospital. She worked at Main Wines and Spirits for many years and helped run her husband’s tax business.

She loved her community and volunteered countless hours at St. Hyacinth’s School, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Dunkirk Little and Babe Ruth Leagues, and the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Chautauqua County.

Joan was most devoted to her role as a mother to her children and went above and beyond what even an exceptional grandmother would and was given the proud title of Gaga. She visited her grandsons Ryan, Nicholas, and Trevor Kozlowski daily and cared for them after school and on holidays. She never missed a concert, play, or school event. During summers, she was blessed with visits from her grandchildren Natasha, Breanna, Kara and Edward Briggs, spending vacation months sleeping over, going to the pool, Lake Erie, Fantasy Island, and having fun with cousins and extended family.

For the last 18 years, Joan was fortunate to spend countless hours and days with her two (2) youngest grandsons, Joshua and Allan. She loved spoiling them with trips to the store, baking them goodies, and teaching them how to help around the house. She barely missed a concert or school event. She was grateful to have the opportunity to watch them grow into intelligent, caring, helpful, and kind young men. They spent many days and nights helping prepare her meals, spending time with her, making sure she was comfortable, and sneaking her Swedish fish.

Joan loved hosting holidays, birthday parties, and family gatherings at her home, where she put together an incredible spread for cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandkids, typically with over 20 people in attendance. If you ever drove by her home, you would find begonias, portulacas, beautiful lawn ornaments, and bird feeders around her well-groomed property.

Her second love, after her husband Harry, was Neil Diamond. She has an extensive music collection, and she was thrilled to attend three (3) concerts in her lifetime. She loved music, dancing, Franzia Sunset Blush wine, and her dogs.

She was always up for wearing silly hats and trying the latest Snapchat filters. Joan lived a life filled with love and generously gave that love to those around her, especially her children and grandchildren.

A heartful thank you to Lydia Falkner, Heather Young, Roberta Goodwill, Jennifer Mitchell, and Deanna Brown, the aides who helped care for Joan over the years.

As per Joan’s request, calling hours and a funeral service will not be held. You can honor her life and legacy by loving your family, serving your community, and donating to the Lake Shore Humane Society or the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Chautauqua County.