READFIELD – Sarah Briggs, 75, of Readfield, Maine, died at home surrounded by family on Saturday July 2, 2022. Sarah is survived by many friends and family who love her deeply and will miss her. Her husband of 55 years, Douglas; her daughter Samantha Philbrook and her partner Kirk Gettig: her daughter Jennifer Maeverde; and her two favorite people in the world, her grandsons, Isac and Jared Philbrook. Sarah is also survived by her sisters, Linda Andrews of Jacksonville, Florida, and Jeannette Stinson of South Berwick, Maine. Sarah was predeceased by her daughter Jessica.

Sarah grew up on the family farm in Cape Elizabeth taking many long walks in the meadow and on the beach. A kind memory from a childhood friend remembers Sally’s Pond in a poem…. “Around the barn by the farm, tilled land, through rows of corn and fronds they made their way to Sally’s Pond.” She moved to Augusta as a teenager where she and her mother luckily moved in next door to the Briggs’s. Yup, she literally married the boy next door, and it really has been as good as all the stories say it is.

Sarah and Doug raised their family in Gardiner. From girl scout cookie sales, to dozens and dozens of homemade Halloween costumes that were always better than store bought, to working backstage at dance recitals year after year, Sarah was always there to support her children in all their interests. They had many friends in the community and hosted hot wing dinners and poker nights with neighbors where everyone had fun and lots of laughs. Sarah and Doug were very active with Demolay for many years where they made lifelong friends and touched the lives of many young men and women. Some kind thoughts and words from one, “Thank you for being you! Thanks for being my friend for more than 40 years. You were and are a role model for motherhood, community service, courage, and grace.”

Prince Edward Island was a special place for Sarah and Doug. After vacationing there for many years they were able to build their dream cottage on the water’s edge where they spent many summers relaxing on the porch, buying lobsters on the dock and making many friends all over the island. They especially enjoyed going to the local music performances at the grange halls.

Sarah loved attending all of Isac and Jared’s football and basketball games. She also loved watching basketball, college of course, and tennis on television. She and Doug went to many Celtics games at the garden. Obstructed view seats were their spot.

Sarah made holidays and birthdays extra special for everyone. Christmas tree hunting was a family tradition and decorating the eight-foot, double-needled tree was a day long affair. Sarah loved the looks of surprise and joy as gifts were opened. Sarah’s love for children was felt by many, and she cherished the colleagues she worked with and with who she has stayed close with. Legend has it that she can calm even the crankiest kiddo by blowing bubbles with her gum.

Sarah and Doug’s house was always a stop for everyone in the family including our extended Norwegian family, Anneli, Dag and Greta and their children. Anneli shared these thoughts and memories: “When I think of you, I think of a woman who had room. You had room for people in your life. You had room for people in your heart. Together with dad, the two of you created a safe space, a home, a room, a heart for people to be in. I was so lucky to be one of those people, living with you for an entire year as an exchange student. It was such a nice experience and it I will always be grateful that you made the decision to host me. It changed my life, and all my family’s life. Although far apart in geography, we have been close by heart. Every Christmas you would send gifts not only to me, but to all my family and later all our kids. They all felt they knew you through that. And they got to meet you as well when we came to visit, and you visited Norway. You made me a better person, your laughter (it was so lovely), your humor, and your standards and integrity made a great impression on my life and through that, many, many other peoples’ lives.”

So many visits from so many friends and family, where there was always a laugh, good meals, and great tour guides for both Maine and PEI. Staying with Sarah and Doug felt like home away from home for everyone.

Always there when anyone needed an ear to listen or soft place to land. Generous and loving she will be missed by many friends near and far.

The family would like to express our deepest gratitude to the staff of Androscoggin Home Health and Hospice for their tender care and support throughout these past few months and weeks. Special gratitude to Susan, Sarah (with and H – the only way to spell it 😉 and Beth for their patience, caring and comfort.

Family and friends will gather at Hope Baptist Church in Manchester, on Friday July 8, at 12:30 p.m., to remember and celebrate Sarah’s life and legacy. A recording of the service can be found on the Hope Baptist Church YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKhoukTFSMKsYhqJYlsJuVg/featured

Arrangements are in the care of Roberts Funeral Home, 62 Bowdoin St., Winthrop.

In honor of Sarah’s love of children and her career in the early childhood field the family asks in lieu of flowers please support the Family Childcare Association

of Maine:

fccamaine@gmail.com.

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