Margery Briggs

Margery Ann (Beeman) Briggs. July 23, 1929 – February 6, 2015 Born in Danville, OH, Margie lived in Danville and Mt. Vernon, until she came to OSU. Early after meeting OSU senior medical student, Bill Briggs, in the late summer of 1951, it was obvious their mutual affection for each other would, and did, lead to matrimony and a very active and fulfilling life together--for over 63 years. Margery, the chief operating officer (COO) at their first home (on W. Ninth Avenue, one block from OSU Hospital) ran a 10-room house for medical and dental students, including first floor for family and raising three daughters. In addition, a medical student lecture note service operated out of the basement, and The Major Hospital Atlas started there in spring of 1952. Obviously a very busy place! Active USAF service for her husband took them many places including Alaska. In 1959 (and after completing radiology residency at OSU Hospital) they moved to their new and current home in Upper Arlington. There their fourth daughter (Laurie) was born in 1963. She had exceptional ear for musical pitch and played the piano by 'ear'. She previously sang in choir at the Lane Avenue Baptist Church. Since they moved and became The Crossing Community Church (in Hilliard) she drove there less frequently, although she cherished many long-term friendships there. Moot loved all kinds of music, except when we’d loudly sing “Happy Birthday” to her in public places…when it wasn’t her birthday! She especially loved MAKING music, hosting family gatherings at Thanksgiving and Christmas, and celebrating birthdays (other than her own). She was an accomplished skier & world traveler (hence her nickname, “Moot” – short for the German, Muter), faithful worker in the Children’s Department at Lane Avenue Baptist Church. She demonstrated with her life what “walking with the Lord” means. Moot had a listening ear, and a huge heart. She was always there for us, always ready to laugh, and to serve. She never said “no” to a request from the family. - “Grandmother-in-residence” when babies came. - She “inherited” dogs and cats when kids were stationed overseas (but didn’t give them back!). - During the 1st Gulf War, she drove herself to California to become Chief Cook & Bottle Washer for two young boys whose parents were both on Active Duty but sent to different places. - When her girls discovered bicycle touring, for a week every summer she cheerfully took on a houseful of grandkids, making sure they all got back & forth to Vacation Bible School each day. And with those kids came their dogs & cats… For the last 15-plus years, Mitzie, (Margie's beautiful Australian Shepherd) was her constant companion. Margie was fond of, and fed, wildlife in her back yard, and observed them from the picture window in her kitchen. Margie was a devoted crossword puzzle worker, and as expected, was very helpful at word definitions and spelling. Margery died peacefully (though quite unexpectedly) in her sleep Thursday night 2/6/2015 after dining out with family that evening. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Dr. Bill Briggs, daughters Patty (Alan) Fried, Lisa (Pat) Tracy, Janis (Dan) Monroe, and Laurie (Jeff) Hansel, grandchildren Chris (Lydia) Tracy, Brett (Christy) Tracy, Heather Fried, Annie (Jerry) Robinson, Erin Fried, Emily (Taylor) Steed, JT Hansel, Lizzie Hansel, Sarah Eickholt, Todd Tracy, and Megan Hansel, and great-granddaughter Kate Tracy. A service celebrating her life will be held at 2pm, Wednesday, February 11, at The Crossing Community Church, 4770 Britton Pkwy, Hilliard.

Margery Briggs

July 23, 1929 - February 6, 2015