HELEN PAUL BRIGGLE's Obituary
Helen Lou Paul Briggle from Miami, FL passed away peacefully March 22, 2023 at the age of 87.
She was born September 25, 1935 in Sharon Hills, Pennsylvania. She graduated from Sharon Hills High School in 1953 and moved to Miami in 1960 with her first husband and her son, Thomas S. Shilen Jr. Helen quickly became active in the community as an esteemed member of the Junior League of Miami, Beaux Arts, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Beach Colony Club, Coral Gables Junior Woman’s Club as well as the Past President of the Cotillion Club. She was also a dynamic Real Estate agent. Miami became her home and where she welcomed two more children, Marilee Shilen and John Shilen.
Helen married Dr. William Francis Briggle July 24, 1981 and they enjoyed over 20 years together traveling between their homes in Coral Gables, FL and Hendersonville, NC. They hosted many family gatherings, enjoying their combined family of adult children and beloved grandchildren.
Helen was a member of the Riviera Country Club where she played tennis and bridge weekly, sometimes even adding in a round of golf. Some of her favorite memories were at the Club, among the company of good friends. She was a devoted entertainer to guests, brilliant at needlepoint and was known to have sewn many of her elegant home decors. Aside from those talents, she was an ardent chef and baker. You could count on her for a delicious home cooked meal or to share a good recipe. There wasn’t a cookie swap she wasn’t prepared for. Helen adored traveling, she had a timeshare in Snowmass and in her later years, took an annual ski trip to Telluride with her treasured group of friends.
Helen is predeceased by her daughter Marion Leigh “Marilee” Shilen, her son Thomas S. Shilen Jr. and her husband Dr. William F. Briggle. She is survived by her son John Shilen (Sheila), stepsons Dr. Joseph Briggle (Cathy), Dr. John L. Briggle (Debbie), William “Bill” Briggle (Claudette), Stacy Briggle, and grandchildren Jonathan, Cristin and Caitlin Shilen, Ann Briggle Fonts (Dr. Ernie Fonts), Joseph Wesley Briggle Jr, Stuart Briggle, Matt Briggle (Laura), Ryan Briggle, Leslie Monzon (Dave), along with her great grandchildren Ernie Fonts, Cecilia Fonts and Wyatt James Monzon.
Helen will be laid to rest in a private ceremony in the Paul family plot, Arlington Cemetery, Drexel Hill, PA. In lieu of flowers please make donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital online or by phone (800) 708 - 3023.
In lieu of Flowers for Helen P Briggle please make donations to St.Judes Children Hospital.
What’s your fondest memory of HELEN?
What’s a lesson you learned from HELEN?
Share a story where HELEN's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with HELEN you’ll never forget.
How did HELEN make you smile?