Joan Briggs

Born Joan Shackleton in Thackley, Bradford, England, on December 18, 1937, to Sidney and May Shackleton, Joan lived a life filled with courage, laughter, and love until her passing in Nampa, Idaho, on October 6, 2025.

Joan was the youngest of two children and grew up in the shadow of World War II - a time of gas masks, ration books, and blackout curtains. Even amid uncertainty, she found joy in simple things: family, friends, and the comfort of home. School may not have been her favorite place, but she excelled, and her quick wit and curiosity made her a lifelong learner.

In 1955, at a Valentine's Day dance, Joan's life took a beautiful turn. There she met Keith Briggs, newly returned from military service in East Africa. Keith was tanned with blond hair, blue eyes, and a nice suit, which in Joan's opinion, was a striking look. Keith, in turn, was immediately smitten. That night began a love story that would last more than seventy years - a bond marked by shared adventure, steadfast devotion, and a deep friendship that only grew stronger with time.

They married on March 2, 1957, and just two months later, they did something brave and extraordinary. With $150, one steamer trunk, and big dreams, they boarded the Queen Mary and immigrated to America. They arrived in New York, crossed the country by train to Boise, and were welcomed by their immigration sponsors, Doc and Thelma Howard, who became family in every sense of the word – sharing many life experiences together. Within a week, Keith found work at the Idaho Free Press, and before long, the couple settled in Nampa, ready to start their new life together.

Joan went to work for a dentist, Dr. Valenti, and as Keith had promised her parents, she returned to England for her 21st birthday - six months pregnant with their first child, Carol. While she was away, Keith bought their first and only home south of Nampa where Joan would live for the next 67 years - and where she raised her family and created a lifetime of memories.

Joan and Keith went on to have four children: Carol, Gary, David, and Kent. Once the older three started school, Joan decided it was her turn to learn. She enrolled at Northwest Nazarene College to pursue a degree in Elementary Education, where during her first semester she discovered she was pregnant with Kent. In true Joan style, she graduated with honors. For 26 years, Joan taught first grade in the Nampa School District. She had a gift for seeing the best in every child - patient, encouraging, and confident that each student had something special to offer. Generations of children learned their first lessons in reading, kindness, and curiosity from "Mrs. Briggs," whose calm and caring presence left an enduring mark on thousands of young lives.

After retirement, Joan and Keith began their travels. Their first big adventure took them to Alaska, and they never looked back - exploring the world together, always returning home to their growing family. Joan loved traveling, but she'd often say she only wanted to come home to see her grandchildren - and later, her great-grandchildren, whom she lovingly called her "bonus kids." She never imagined she'd live long enough to meet them, and she cherished every moment she had. She was loved by every one of them.

Joan also gave her time and energy to her community, volunteering for several years at the Discovery Center of Idaho, where her passion for children and learning continued to shine. Even late in life, she and Keith were still making plans - their next journey was going to be Portugal in 2026 - proof that her spirit of adventure never faded.

Joan is survived by her loving husband of 68 years, Keith; their four children, Carol Briggs, Gary Briggs (Kim), David Briggs (Luanne), and Kent Briggs; seven grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and extended family in England, Washington, Utah, and Idaho. She was preceded in death by her parents, Sidney and May; her brother, David; her Nephew and Niece, John and Janet, her great-granddaughter, Dallas; and their dear friends Doc and Thelma Howard.

She leaves behind a family who adored her, a husband who still calls her his sweetheart, and countless stories that will be told with laughter and love for years to come.

A memorial service will be held at Coverdale Funeral Home on Saturday, October 11, at 4:00 p.m., with a reception to follow.