Jeanne E. Briggs

Rockford residents lost a special woman... Jeanne Elaine Briggs, age 72, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, October 27, 2012. Jeanne touched the hearts and minds of many through her work with child advocacy groups and in sharing her love of cooking. Jeanne was honored by MACLD, Michigan Association for Children with Learning Disabilities to help bridge the barriers between parents, schools and teachers. She was also honored by KISD, Kent Intermediate School District for her untiring and devoted service, and also recognized by the United Way for her leadership efforts. As for her cooking, she wrote for the Rockford Squire's “What's Cooking” column for 12 years and her unique and creative recipes / dishes / culinary creations were included in three different published cookbooks, numerous entries and winning dishes in events such as, the Grand Rapids Cook Off and the Rockford Jaycees Annual Chili Cook-Off Grand Champion in 1993 and 1994. She was married to her husband Bob 45 years ago, and at that time Jeanne worked for Grand Valley State University. She and her husband Bob are both graduates of Creston High School. She is survived by her husband Bob, sister Elaine Hart, her three boys, Jason, Kyle and Mitchell and three grandchildren Nolan, Michaela and Austin Briggs who loved their “gourmet” grandma. Jeanne was a member of Rockford United Methodist church and loved contributing in a culinary way towards the church's efforts. Jeanne loved life and celebrated many triumphs with family and friends both in Rockford and in Punta Gorda Florida where her friend base thrived from her love to cook for them. We love you Mom and all that you are to us. A Funeral Service for Jeanne will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, November 1, 2012 at Reyers North Valley Chapel with visitation for one hour prior to the service from 1-2 p.m. For those who wish, please consider a memorial contribution to Rockford United Methodist Church in memory of Jeanne.