Doris L Briere

Doris L. Briere, age 95 was born on January 14th, 1926, to Otto and Elin Johnson in St. James, Minnesota. Having spent the afternoon with family, she peacefully passed away on Sunday August 15, 2021. She is survived by her two children, Jan (Ray) Pedden and Dave (Carolyn) Briere; her grandchildren Jessica Pedden and Andrew and Adam Briere and her niece Judy (Bob) Winters. Doris was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years Melvin Briere. Theirs was a relationship of unwavering love to each other that began on Doris’ second day on campus as a freshman at Gustavus Adolphus College and continued forward for 73 years. Beyond their commitment to each other they were united in their devotion to their family and their faith. Following her high school graduation at age 17 she immediately began her college career in the summer and graduated in three years. Upon graduation she began working for Lutheran Social Services where she provided guidance and direction to many as a social worker. This experience and training also served her well as a mother and wife. As a pastor’s wife to Mel, she often provided counsel and support to their parishioners and their families and residents of the communities where they served. Doris and Mel both shared a passion for travel and new experiences. They had traveled to all 50 states and over 20 foreign countries. She loved remembering those adventures and laughing at some of the more comical events that took place in those travels. Doris and Mel called Sun City West home for over 20 years, with the majority of those years living at the Heritage Independent Living Center. They were active and involved in many activities and functions at Heritage and at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in SCW. Following Mel’s death in 2016, Doris relocated to Fremont, California to be closer to her children and their families. Doris will be missed on this earth, but she and her family are steadfast in their belief that they will someday be re-united as part of God’s heavenly family. A memorial/internment service is to be held on Saturday September 25th at 11:00 am and will be held at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Sun City West.