The heroic earthly struggle of Dorothy Battaglini Briggs came to an end on July 21 at the age of 86. She was predeceased by her parents Peter and Mary Jane Battaglini and all of her brothers: David, Robert and Victor and her sister Marion Corino. Dorothy was born in Endicott and graduated from Union-Endicott High School in 1945. Dorothy worked for the State of New York’s Unemployment and Worker’s Compensation offices in Binghamton for 38 years until her retirement in 1983. Her strength and superhuman capacity to fight through pain, multiple surgeries and seemingly-insurmountable setbacks became legendary and a source of inspiration to her family and friends as well as the medical community. Her departure leaves a gaping hole in the hearts of many. One of the last of the dwindling “old school”, Dorothy embodied traditional values of family-first: an Italian mother’s fierce loyalty to her three sons, an inviting home where any and all were welcome and spontaneous generosity. Dorothy’s charitable deeds are still being uncovered as she had no desire to publicize the actions that she undertook out of the goodness of her heart. Dorothy is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Calvin M. Briggs whose unwavering love and tireless support enabled Dorothy’s life to flourish in these trying circumstances. She is also survived by her three sons and their families: William B. Briggs (New York City and Ithaca, NY); Mark D. Briggs and Bridget Briggs (Newark, DE); Timothy Briggs and Sallie Briggs (Ocala, FL); four Grandchildren, Brittni (Briggs) Piser and her husband John Paul Piser (Newark, DE); Jennifer J. Briggs (Newark, DE); Tim Briggs (Ocala, FL) and Taylor Briggs (Ocala, FL); and one great-grandchild, Dominick Spencer Piser (Newark, DE) who provided Dorothy with enormous joy in the last months of her life. After grieving this loss, Dorothy’s family will be forever enriched and shaped by the lessons her life taught them. Never give up; be humble; treasure each precious moment of life and the opportunity it gives you to exert a positive influence on the lives of others. Be ready with a smile and a helping hand, regardless of your own infirmities. Her ultimate legacy will be the imprint that her kindness and humility-based spirituality will leave on those with whom she came in contact on her journey through life.
The family will receive friends at the Allen Memorial Home, 511-513 East Main Street, Endicott, Wednesday, July 24th from 4-7 pm. A private burial service will be held at a later date. The family would like to thank the caring staff of Lourdes Hospital and Lourdes at Home for their support through Dorothy’s courageous eight year battle. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be make to St. Francis Ministry which is supporting children with HIV/Aids and orphans in Kenya, in honor of Dorothy’s special friend, Sister Anisia Muthoni, (304 Oak Hill Avenue, Endicott, NY 13760).