Hazel (Sprague) Briggs

Hazel (Sprague) Briggs, age 80, of Mansfield, passed away peacefully in her home on Friday morning, June 23, 2023. Born May 3, 1943, in Osceola, PA, she was a daughter of the late Francis and Ethel (Wells) Sprague. She shared 60 years of marriage with Benjamin J. Briggs, who preceded her in death on July 8, 2022.

Hazel was employed by several local businesses throughout the years, including Galeton Production Company, Wundy’s, Trucklite, Mansfield University in the Cafeteria, Ann Page Foods, and her latest position as a manager with Puff’s Cigarettes in Mansfield. She enjoyed bowling in several leagues at Maple Lanes in Mansfield, alongside her husband, Ben. Hazel and Ben also enjoyed betting on the horses at the Finger Lakes and sports on television together. Hazel loved family picnics, backyard campfires with friends, and traveling throughout the Northeast and Canada.

Left to cherish her memory are her son, John J. Briggs, of Antrim Heights; daughter, Donna K.B. Mitchell, of Mansfield; grandsons, Dan (Melissa Grace Wells) Mitchell, of Silver Creek, NY, and Drew (Annie Dunn) Mitchell, of Scranton, PA; sister and brother-in-law, Edie and Robert Rude, of Palmyra, NY; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

In addition to her parents and husband, Ben, Hazel was preceded in death by her brother, Elroy Sprague; sister, Margaret Briggs; brother-in-law, Harold Briggs; sister and brother-in-law, Helen and Gordon Boyce.

Hazel’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the UPMC Hospice team and the ladies who stepped up to help take care of Hazel, Karen McCaslin, Patty Rouse, Alisha Chavez and Sandy Toner, for being such a huge part of their lives over the past two years.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Friday, June 30, 2023, from 2 – 3 p.m., at Wilston-Currie Funeral Home, 130 S. Main St., Mansfield, PA 16933. Hazel’s memorial service will immediately follow the visitation hour at 3:00 p.m., with Pastor Ed Siddle officiating. Hazel will be laid to rest with her husband in the Niles Valley Cemetery, Middlebury Center, www.wilstoncurriefh.com.