La Verne Sedrel Briggs

Carlsbad, CA - La Verne Sedrel Briggs 95, of Carlsbad California passed away peacefully at her home on March 18, 2021.

She was born in Cedar Rapids, IA, on September 8, 1925, daughter of the late Hazel and Ivan V. Sedrel, who moved to Des Moines, IA the year following. Blaine A. Briggs, her husband of 73 years predeceased her in January 2020. She is survived by her son Robert of Germantown, TN; grand-daughter Audrey and great-grandson Russel, both of Cardiff, CA. Another son, Jimmy, died of leukemia in 1968.

La Verne graduated from Roosevelt High School in Des Moines, IA. She was a member of the golf team; chorus & orchestra; lead in the class musical and Queen of the senior prom.

Music was always of great importance in her life. Starting by playing 'cello in the fourth grade, she graduated from Drake University, Des Moines with a Bachelor of Music Education degree; played in the Des Moines symphony; sang Barber Shop music in the "Sweet Adelines", forming a quartet called the Chord Queens who won a national title in 1957; taught music in Des Moines public schools; established scholarships for music students at Drake and an endowment for the Drake Professor of 'Cello.

La Verne's other activities at Drake included membership in Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, serving as President during her junior year; Panhellenic Council; Homecoming Queen; years later serving on the university's Board of Trustees.

In 1980, she and Blaine moved to Rancho Santa Fe, CA, where they lived for 29 years. She was very involved with the Village Community Church, serving as a Deacon, Elder, Chairperson of the worship & music committee, and member of the choir and bell ringers. She likewise served the community as Chairman of ladies golf; treasurer of the golf Board of Governors; Country Friends Fashion Show committee; lifetime member of both the Garden Club and Rancho Santa Fe Historical Society.

In 2007, moving to La Costa Glen, a retirement village in nearby Carlsbad, CA, she continued to organize numerous musical events and the annual theatrical 'show' productions through 2020.

La Verne and Blaine shared great joy as active philanthropists and enjoyed seeing the fruits of their gifting. Besides Drake, charitable interests included Iowa Methodist Hospital, Scripps Encinitas Hospital Foundation, and the Village Church where they worshiped the entirety of California living. La Verne hoped to lead by example to foster similar charitable behavior for her extended family members.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2p.m. on Saturday, July 17th at the Village Church in Rancho Santa Fe. Friends are welcome to attend with refreshments immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, any memorials should be directed to the Village Church or Scripps Encinitas Hospital Foundation.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by the Des Moines Register from Jun. 1 to Jun. 6, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for La Briggs

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12 Entries

Robert Briggs

June 8, 2021

Judy Chamat

June 8, 2021

Dear Bob and Family,

My deepest sympathy to you in LaVerne’s passing. I admired LaVerne; she was a role model for me. LaVerne represented perfection in all that she did. Most importantly, she was a wonderful friend for 50+ years. Her generosity to me and to my family has never been forgotten. Her guidance, her laugh, her friendship, and her advice are forever with me as I remember my dear friend LaVerne. She was beautiful both inside and out. I always enjoyed every opportunity we had to get together to catch up on life. She visited us when the children were small and it was always a big eventLaVerne was coming and everything had to be perfect for our special friend’s visit. I enjoyed our annual Christmas ornament exchange; her gift always arrived shortly after Thanksgiving! LaVerne was so organized and always ahead of the game. Her attention to detail and decorating expertise were top drawer. Her home was always perfectly appointed and the color theme was always blue.
There will never ever be another LaVerne with perfect posture and high standards to meet. She was kind and always asked about about me and my family. She was a great cook and entertainer whether it was a small summer lunch for just the two of us or the Golden Wedding Anniversary of Hazel and Ivan Sedrel. She could manage any event with grace and savior faire. I miss LaVerne everyday.

May the memories of happy times together and your Faith carry you through the days ahead. “Those who live in the Lord never see each other for the last time.” -Goethe.

With deepest sympathy,

Judy Chamat and Family