Barbara Briggs TRIMBLE

1921 - 2015

TRIMBLE, Barbara Briggs
Barbara Briggs Trimble died peacefully in her sleep, after a short illness, with her family present, on May 5, 2015. Barbara (Bobbie) was born on April 18, 1921 in Rochester, N.Y., the daughter of Ruth Curtis and Theodore C. Briggs. She grew up in Pittsford, N.Y., and graduated from Chatham Hall in Virginia in 1939. She attended Pine Manor Junior College and on December 28, 1940, she married Edward C. Trimble (Ted). He had received his commission as a second lieutenant in the army through the ROTC program at Princeton University in 1940. He served in the European Theater during World War II. Bobbie spent the war years with her parents in Pittsford, where her daughter Joan was born. Her sons David and Michael followed a few years later. Bobbie volunteered with the Red Cross Motor Corp during the war. As all who knew her are well aware, Bobbie had a deep love of the communities where she lived, and a commitment to do for others, which she shared with Ted. While in Rochester, she worked with the Community Chest and served on the board of Planned Parenthood in Rochester. Bobbie and her family lived in Rochester until 1979, when she and Ted moved to Stuart, Florida. Together, they carried on their families' tradition of service to others. Their contributions to the Stuart community included the Community Foundation of Palm Beach and Martin Counties, where their commitment to education is reflected in the scholarships they endowed. The Florida Oceanographic Society, Molly's House and the Martin County Council for the Arts, among others, benefitted from her time and generosity. She was dedicated to the work of the United Way of Martin County, who recognized her many contributions with the Frances Langford Humanitarian Award in 2013. Bobbie's father was a devoted sailor, cruising with his family and instilling a love of the water in all of his children. The Thousand Islands in the St. Lawrence River was a favorite destination. An island and a home in Clayton, NY became their summer residence, and here too, their commitment to their community was a prominent part of their life. From the development of the Antique Boat Museum, the restoration of the Clayton Opera House, her support for Save the River and the Thousand Island Land Trust, Bobbie was a cherished member of the Clayton community. An avid and accomplished golfer, Bobbie's circle of friends grew with a shared love of the game. The many trophies she won are testament to her skill, but it was the great affection she had for all her friends that shone brightest on the many golf courses she played. At the bridge table and at dinner with friends, we all shared in her genuine affection and the love she so freely gave to all who knew her. Bobbie is survived by her children, Joan Jordan (Gwyn), Dataw Island SC; Michael (Paula), Rhinebeck NY; and David (Lisa), Parkland FL; her brother Joseph Briggs (Nancy), Rochester NY; her grandchildren Edward (Tiffany) and Riley Smith; and David Jr., Jonathan, and Stephen Trimble. She is also survived by four great grand children and many nieces and nephews. Bobbie was preceded in death by her husband Edward, her brother William, and her sister Katherine. Memorial Contributions in Bobbie's honor may be made to Mariner Sands Chapel Fund 6500 SE Congressional Place Stuart, FL. 34997. A Memorial Service will be celebrated on Friday, May 15th at 4 PM at Mariner Sands Chapel, with Dr. David. Walls, officiating. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Martin Funeral Home & Crematory, Stuart,FL. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.martin-funeral.com
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