Jill L. (Cochrane) Briggs

WESTFIELD-Jill L. Cochrane Briggs, 57, passed away on Friday, December 09, 2016 at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, MA.  Jill was born on June 21, 1959.  She was raised in Middlesex, NJ, graduated from Moravian College and went on to complete her law degree at Western New England University School of Law.  She stayed in the Springfield area and practiced criminal law for many years.  Jill enjoyed working as a Massachusetts Bar Advocate because she believed in the need for and the importance of court appointed attorneys.  For many years, Jill was active in the Zonta Club of Springfield, including serving as President.  In addition to being a cat lover and longtime fan of the Grateful Dead, she enjoyed reading and staying connected to family through social media.  Predeceased by her husband David Briggs, her parents, John and Louise Cochrane and her step mother Elizabeth (Gilbride) Cochrane, she is survived by her sister, Joyce Cochrane of North Fort Myers, FL, her brother John (Jack) Cochrane and his wife Nancy of Middlesex, NJ, their daughter Shannon Cochrane and her son Chase, their son Christopher, his wife Michelle and their daughter, Ella also from Middlesex, NJ.  Jill also leaves two very trusted friends, Patricia Olier of Wilbraham, MA and C.C. Sanders of Westfield, MA.  Donations in memory of Jill may be made to the Dakin Humane Society, Springfield, MA or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research to honor her father who was a very important person in her life.  End of life arrangements entrusted to Avalon Life Celebration Center & Cremation Services, LLC 691 College Hwy., Southwick, MA.  To express a condolence please visit Jill’s memorial page at www.avaloncelebrations.com

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