Ann M. (Perkins) Briggs, 92, of Mattapoisett died December 16, 2022 peacefully in her daughter’s home.
She was the loving wife of the late Peter P Briggs.
Born in New Bedford, devoted daughter of the late Edwin L Perkins and Clara L (Tinkham), Ann lived most of her life in Mattapoisett.
Ann’s life was spent teaching children, tending the earth and community, and being with family.
After graduating from Fairhaven High School, where she met her husband, she went on to study at Lesley Normal School in Cambridge. She then spent her early married and motherhood years as a nursery school teacher as they moved around the northeast.
Anna and Peter brought their family back to live in Mattapoisett where Ann continued teaching at the Loft School and Friends Academy. She also found time to volunteer at St Luke’s and in the New Bedford School System.
Some of Ann’s treasured volunteer time was being a docent at the Arnold Arboretum combining her love of children and nature; reading to the at Children’s Story hour, children and books and being a member on the Mattapoisett Tree Committee, trees and community.
Ann also began writing poetry at the end of her life. A book of her poetry can be found in the Mattapoisett Library.
Ann planted a garden at every home she lived in, slept in 50 states, swam in Mattapoisett harbor every summer of her life and touched thousands of lives.
Survivors include a son, Daniel Briggs and his wife Lori of Mattapoisett, 2 daughters, Melinda Eaton and her husband Kevin Eaton and Heather Hobler, both of Mattapoisett; 5 grandchildren, Christopher Smith, Collin Smith, Graham Smith, Doscher Hobler and Brandis Eaton; 2 great-grandchildren, Mia and Nadine; and several nieces and nephews.
She was the sister of the late Peter Perkins and Ruth Heath.
A Memorial Service will be held in May. In lieu of flowers please donate to the Mattapoisett Free Public Library and the Town of Mattapoisett Tree Committee to have trees planted. Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett. For online guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
