GEMMA LYNNE BRIGGS

Condolences & Memories (38 entries)

• Ten years today, Gem. We miss you. - Posted by: KJ (Sister) on: Apr 11, 2025

• Thinking of you on your 50th, Gem. - Posted by: KJ (Sister) on: Oct 06, 2023

• We are thinking of you today on your birthday, Gem. - Posted by: KJ and kids (Sister, nieces, nephew) on: Oct 06, 2021

• It has been 6 long years since I heard your laugh, seen your smile and felt your hugs. I miss you deeply still, my loving, caring, lovely friend. Love always, Dara - Posted by: Dara (Friend) on: Apr 16, 2021

• Happy birthday, Gemma. We are remembering you fondly and sharing good memories. - Posted by: KJ and kids (Sister ) on: Oct 06, 2020

• It's hard to believe it's been five years since your passing, Gem. The kids often speak of you and share fond memories. I miss you every day. - Posted by: KJ (Sis) on: Apr 11, 2020

• Thinking of you fondly today on your birthday, Gem. Many wonderful memories. You are never far. - Posted by: KJ (Sister) on: Oct 06, 2019

• I am shocked. I live in the UK now and have been for 20 years, and, out of nostalgia, looked up Gemma on-line only to find this. We had offices across the hall from each other during her time at York. I will always recall her wicked sense of humour and the fact that she seemed upbeat no matter what was thrown at her. She was a good friend and it is heartwarming to read of how well thought of she was by those who knew her. She seems to have found contentment in Manitoba that she never found in Toronto. I am so sorry for your loss. I have a whirl of memories and feelings, but words would not capture them sufficiently. God bless you Gemma Briggs. - Posted by: Shawn Mosher (Fellow grad student at York U) on: Jun 02, 2019

• Missing you, Gemma. I'll never forget you. - Posted by: Anna-Lisa (friend) on: Apr 11, 2019

• Remembering you fondly today. We miss you, Gem. - Posted by: KJ and kids (Sister, kids) on: Apr 11, 2018

• Thinking of you today on your 44th birthday. The kids and I miss you a lot but we enjoy the good memories. KJ and kids. - Posted by: KJ (Sister) on: Oct 06, 2017

• Thinking of you today as always, Gem. - Posted by: KJ, Ken and kids (Sister and family) on: Apr 11, 2017

• Happy Birthday, Gemma. I miss you and think about you every day, my friend. I wish you were still here to celebrate our birthdays together. I'll raise a glass to you and give thanks for all the laughs and heartfelt, irreplaceable moments we shared. You are in my heart forever. - Posted by: Zoe (Friend) on: Oct 06, 2016

• We miss you, Gem!! - Posted by: KJ and kids () on: May 30, 2016

• My condolences are coming so late (June 3, 2015) because I only learned this evening of the sad passing of Gemma(!). Elizabeth, Colin, Kerry-Jane and all family members, I am so very sorry for your pain at this time. Gemma was most definitely special and even if she didn't know you that well she had a way of making you feel like you were a good friend, were welcome and were interesting to her just the same. She really did have something special about her and her nature was definitely a gift to us all for whatever time we did have with her (even for as few occasions as I had with her). My words fail me. I would wish to have said more, as Gemma deserves that, but I am still in shock. Such sad news. Tawny - Posted by: Tawny Brown (Friend from St. Luke's) on: Jul 03, 2015

• I recently met Gemma through an introduction from her mother and father, Elizabeth and Colin. Even though it was a brief moment of time that I knew her, her loss saddens me greatly. To Elizabeth and Colin, my condolences in losing a child and hopefully the memories of the fantastic person you helped Gemma become assists in helping you through her loss. - Posted by: Cory Papineau () on: Apr 29, 2015

• I was fortunate to know Gemma during the past few months of her fruitful life. Like many others I partook of the events she arranged so selflessly for her meetup group. She was one of those people who cast warmth and comfort to those around her. I honestly can't remember her speaking of herself ...only inquiring how you were and commenting on something good someone else had done or was planning. Far too few people like Gemma in this world and their passing leaves voids that ...go unfilled. We'll all miss her and be reminded of her often. I really admire the courage and class her family exhibited at her memorial. You celebrated her instead of mourning her. You shared her instead of seeking sympathy for your loss. You steered us from mourning to cheering. She must be lovingly proud of you for that and it's easy to see where her personality took roots. My sincere best wishes that her memory continues to bring you happiness even wrapped in the unfairness of your sudden loss. - Posted by: Jay Ladouceur () on: Apr 29, 2015

• Elizabeth, I was so sorry to hear about Gemma. My sincerest condolences go out to you and your family. May your happy memories help to get you through this very difficult time. - Posted by: Wanda Hyde (Friend) on: Apr 26, 2015

• We are so sorry for your loss, and are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. - Posted by: Bruce and Mary Williams (Friends from St. Luke's) on: Apr 21, 2015

• Gemma's office at the U of W had been close to mine over these past months and she was always a kind and gentle soul to have around. I am so very sorry for your loss. -- Gaby Prefontaine, UW Library - Posted by: Gabrielle Prefontaine (Colleague) on: Apr 20, 2015

• My sincere heartfelt sympathies to Gemma's family and friends. I came to know Gemma through several social groups in Winnipeg over the past two years. Not the easiest job - but she included everyone as much as possible. Sorry not to be present tonight at St. Luke's since I am in the Toronto area with my own father's passing, but she is in my thoughts. Special love to her great friend Dara - take comfort in what is seen. - Posted by: David Imrie (Friend) on: Apr 20, 2015

• Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to your family. Gemma was a good friend to Megan. I think often of the blizzard the weekend of a school dance - Meg was sad when we were finally able to get her home! I saw Gemma at a workshop a couple years ago - it was great to catch up and hear about her accomplishments. A sweet young woman and a terrible loss. Sincerely, John and Nettie Pentland. - Posted by: John and Nettie Pentland (Parents of Megan, a school friend) on: Apr 20, 2015

• Dr. Briggs and family. I was so terribly sorry to hear of your loss. It is very hard to adjust to the loss of any family member let alone one in the "prime" of their life. My heart goes out to you and your family. Know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers in the coming days and months as you adjust to this wound in the fabric of your lives. - Posted by: Cathy Savage (Student of Dr. Briggs Pharmacy Class of '81) on: Apr 20, 2015

• We are saddened by your loss. I still remember the first time Gemma gave me her hand-made jewelery - she was a very creative and thoughtful person. The world has lost a kind and gentle soul. You have our deepest sympathy. - Posted by: Rishma & Anthony (Friend) on: Apr 20, 2015

• Elizabeth, My sincerest condolences to you and Colin. May your faith and family sustain you at this difficult time. Darlene Oliver - Posted by: Darlene Oliver (Glenlawn Collegiate) on: Apr 20, 2015

• I don't remember much of Gemma because she was in the grade below. Been awhile since I had any contact with Kerry-Jane. I guess social media isn't for everyone. My condolences and prayers for you and your family. - Posted by: Juanita Unrau(nee Poetker) (went to school with Kerry-Jane) on: Apr 20, 2015

• Elizabeth, So sorry to hear of the loss of your daughter, Gemma. My sincere condolences to you and your family. - Posted by: Cheryl Breakey (Former Glenlawn Collegiate colleague) on: Apr 19, 2015

• My condolences to Gemma's family and friends. I met Gemma last year and she was so kind and welcoming to me in my first meetup. She is a good friend and was very supportive and I will truly miss her. - Posted by: Simone (Friend) on: Apr 18, 2015

• I am so saddened to hear of Gemma's passing. We went on several camping trips together and many Duke of Edinburgh trips. I have known her for over 20 years. I will always admire her for her sense of humor, love of nature and her incredible caring for people. Mr and Mrs Brigs and Kerry-Jane and Family, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Shannon, Kerry, Amber, Heather, Megan and Erin, From Ottawa. - Posted by: Shannon WIlliams (Friend) on: Apr 18, 2015

• Dear Elizabeth My most sincere condolences in the loss of your daughter,Gemma. My thoughts and best wishes are with you and your family members. Gail - Posted by: Gail Hallonquist (Glenlawn Collegiate staff member) on: Apr 18, 2015

• I am so, so sorry to hear this news of a young woman in her prime. I remember Gemma as a kind friend to my daughter all through the many years of French immersion. They were part of the small, "trail-blazing," start-up class for the Pembina Trails School Division that stayed, played, learned and grew up together from grade one through high school. Our family will miss Gemma. Our hearts go out to those who have cared for her and showed her kindness through the years. Carole Bhakar - Posted by: Carole Bhakar (friend) on: Apr 18, 2015

• It is with great sadness that we recently learned of Gemma's sudden and untimely death. Our thoughts are with you during this trying time. Please accept our sincere condolences. We and our children (Kirsten, Edlyn and David) had the good fortune to know and exchanged many pleasantries with the Briggs family, our backyard neighbours for many years. They like Gemma will always be fondly remembered by us. Sondra and Ed Bruni and family. - Posted by: Sondra and Ed Bruni (Friends and former neighbours) on: Apr 18, 2015

• I was so sorry to hear this news. Wishing you all the best, Janice Bailey - Posted by: Janice Bailey (colleague of Colin Briggs) on: Apr 18, 2015

• Gemma helped me with two grant applications at the university. She was invariably patient and willing to do a little extra to make things work, for example, by editing a portion that was too long. I very much appreciated her assistance. I thought that her own experience doing research gave her some special motivation to help in this way; but I gather from others' tributes that such generosity was just part of who she was. - Posted by: Mark Golden (colleague) on: Apr 15, 2015

• My condolences to Gemma's family and friends. - Posted by: Mary Jane McCallum (Colleague (UWinnipeg)) on: Apr 15, 2015

• I will miss Gemma's enthusiasm and kindness! - Posted by: Laura Reimer (Colleague at U of W) on: Apr 15, 2015

• Condolence From: Todd Michael Hamin Condolence: My condolences to Gemma's family and friends. In the short time I knew Gemma I found her to be a generous and kind hearted person. She was very giving and also a great cook. I was able to find this out in a group setting and personally. I enjoyed her hospitality when she invited me over for dinner and to her place with others after Meet Up events. In my mind...the best Cranteenie maker around!! :) :) I enjoyed many laughs with her as she also had a good sense of humour. She had rescued a cat that had no tail due to frostbite and obviously was very caring and loving to her pet as was demonstrated the numerous times I had the pleasure of being invited over. She allowed me to host and assist her at events for Prairie Guys and Gals Meet Up Group which allowed me the skills and confidence to start my own Winnipeg Meet Up Group. Gemma also was good with children. Spending many a time with her niece who was, at one time, in the same Girl Guide Troupe as my twin daughters Grace and Mackenzie. She would also always ask after my daughters whenever I saw her. "Soooo?, how are the girls?, How are they doing in their ringette?" My daughters were also saddened at her passing when they found out yesterday. They remember her fondly. I had spent many a dinner also at our friend Steven's last year also with our friend Lisa. I was Gemma's secret santa last year and was glad that she liked my present from the body shop. Although, I have confidence that she would have smiled and said she loved anything I got for her. She was that kind of person. Gemma was also kind. Last Christmas Eve, I was alone at home feeling down not having my kids that evening. Gemma texted me and invited me to come over to her friend Dara's to have a drink. She also offered to help me wrap the rest of my kids' christmas presents. When I showed up with 2 garbage bags full of stuff she did not blink an eye and just said "let's get wrapping!" I was so grateful that someone would welcome me and support me like Gemma did. Gone but never forgotten at such a young age. I will never forget Gemma and the fond memories of the times I spent with her and our other friends, Lisa and Steven as well of other members of her group. Rest in Peace Gemma. Your Friends, always, Todd, Grace and Mackenzie Hamin Tuesday April 14, 2015 - Posted by: Todd Michael Hamin, and daughters Grace and Mackenzie. (Friends) on: Apr 14, 2015

• Dear Gemma, an amazing, giving woman, so full of life and one who enriched the life of so many others. I will miss you at the ballet, Gemma! - Posted by: Sandi Denman (friend) on: Apr 14, 2015