Pauline 'Polly' (Bishop) Briggs, 87.

ATHOL Pauline "Polly" (Bishop) Briggs, 87, of 996 Pleasant Street, died Sunday, May 15, 2011 at the University of Massachusetts Memorial Medical Center - University Campus in Worcester surrounded by her loving family.

She was born June 22, 1923 in Bellows Falls, VT, the daughter of Harold and Ethel (Savage) Bishop. The family moved to Athol in 1925 where she attended Athol schools, graduating in 1941. On Nov 3, 1945, she became the bride of 1st Lt. Gordon D. Briggs of Athol, a fighter pilot in World War II.

They lived in Worcester for 18 years. While in Worcester she was a member of Park Congregational Church and was very involved in church activities. She worked in the Worcester school district. In 1963, the family moved back to Athol where Polly was an active member of the Athol Congregational Church for 30 years. She worked at the Athol Memorial Hospital for 13 years, retiring in 1985.

Polly was active in local organizations including the Athol Woman's Club, the Mount Grace Chapter of AARP and the Athol High School Alumni Association. She served as President of the Athol Memorial Hospital Auxiliary for 27 years. She was recognized for her service by many awards most notably including the Margaret Grazis Award by the Town of Athol and honored to be a Paul Harris Fellow. She also received commendations from the Governor and both branches of the State Legislature and the Athol and Orange Selectboards for her services to AMH.

She leaves her husband of 65 years, Gordon; a son, Stephen Briggs and his wife Mary; a...