Christie Lynn O’Neill Briggs died peacefully June 11, 2019 after a four-year battle with cancer. She was born April 18, 1951, in Portola, California, the second of three children born to Norman and Evelyn (“Babe”) O’Neill.
For Christie, family was everything, and she was devoted to the five children that she and her husband, Charlie, shared, and later 10 grandchildren. Nothing brought her more joy in life than spending time with her children and grandchildren. She loved reading and sharing books with family and friends, as well as gardening, crocheting and doing crafts. Christie was proud of her O’Neill Irish heritage, and was quick-witted, could be somewhat sarcastic, and always with wry humor.
Hers was a life of service to many people. Christie directed the Montana Talking Book Library at the State Library for over 20 years. She was also regional manager for the American Cancer Society in Pendleton and Salem, Oregon. Christie also worked in hospital administration 15 years at the Community Hospital in Pendleton, Oregon. She attended California State University – Chico.
Christie was a lifelong community volunteer. She volunteered in various roles at church; was a hospice volunteer, matched with an individual in palliative care; a strong supporter of the Montana Summer Orientation Program for newly blind individuals; a board member for Low Vision Montana, providing information and referral assistance to blind and individuals with low vision, to name a few.
Christie was married to Gary Jellum, 1975-1988 (they had two children, Emily and Adria). She married Charlie Briggs, the love of her life, March 17, 1991 (that’s the Irish in her, choosing St. Patrick’s Day) on a sternwheeler in the middle of Lake Tahoe. Christie and Charlie lived in western Oregon for two years before moving to Helena, where Charlie lived previously.
Christie was a faithful member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Cathedral in Helena. She is survived by her husband, Charlie, her children Emily (Bob) Hanchett, Adria Jellum, Elizabeth Briggs, Amber (Edmund) Briggs-Most, and Kevin Briggs, as well as 10 grandchildren (Olivia Martinez, Coleman Hanchett, Derek Martinez, Addie Hanchett, Gabe Masiak, Isa Magnell, Zac Magnell, Montana Most, Harper Most and Dawson Hanchett); nieces Heather O’Neill and Caitlin Wilcox, nephew Kevin O’Neill; cousins, and her Aunt Lora Humphrey. She was preceded in death by her Father, Norm O’Neill, Mother, “Babe” O’Neill, Brother, Stephen O’Neill, and Sister, Susie O’Neill Wilcox.
Her family wishes to thank the staff of St. Peter’s Hospital for their kind and tender care of Christie.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 2:00 p.m. Friday, June 28, 2019 at St. Peter’s Episcopal Cathedral, 511 N Park Ave, Helena, MT 59601. Internment will take place following the mass, at the church cemetery. Reception will take place immediately following the internment in the lower level of the church. In Christie’s honor, donations may be made to: The Montana Association for the Blind Summer Orientation (P.O. Box 465, Helena MT 59604); Angel Flight West (3161 Donald Douglas Loop South, Santa Monica, CA 90405 www.AngelFlightWest.org); or St. Peter’s Episcopal Cathedral. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Christie.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
2:00 p.m.
Friday June 28, 2019
St. Peter's Episcopal Cathedral
511 N Park Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Interment
Following Mass
Friday June 28, 2019
St. Peter's Episcopal Cathedral
511 N Park Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Interment
Friday June 28, 2019
St. Peter's Episcopal Cathedral Fellowship Hall
511 N Park Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
2:00 p.m.
Friday June 28, 2019
St. Peter's Episcopal Cathedral
511 N Park Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Interment
Following Mass
Friday June 28, 2019
St. Peter's Episcopal Cathedral
511 N Park Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Interment
Friday June 28, 2019
St. Peter's Episcopal Cathedral Fellowship Hall
511 N Park Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Share
Jan Funston says
Charlie and family
I am so sad to hear about Christie. She was such a blessing to be around. Even though I haven’t seen her in almost two years I can still hear her sweet voice, laugh and see her smile.
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.
Diana Nelson says
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Christi G says
My deepest sympathy for the loss of your loved one. May you find comfort in loving memories and hope in the scriptures .Acts 24:15 “And I have hope toward God, which hope these men also look forward to, that there is going to be a resurrection…”. Psalms 37:29 “The righteous will possess the earth,And they will live forever on it.”
Frank Kromkowski says
So sorry to hear that Christie has died. Love to all of you in this difficult time.
Sylvia Danforth says
Thinking of you & your family! My deepest sympathy!
Beth Condon says
Dear Charlie and family,
My heart goes out to you at this time of sorrow.
You have lost a most precious loved one, and
her community and friends have lost a trusted, caring and
valuable advocate.
I worked beside Christie at Pendleton Community Hospital, (Oregon), years ago, and have fond memories of our shared experiences there. She quickly became a
a good friend and confidant. She will be missed so much.
Blessings to you all. Beth Condon
Carolyn Preston says
Although we have not met, Charlie, my heart goes out to you and your family at this incredibly sad time. Christie was a high school classmate of mine, and I was so looking forward to seeing her at our 50th class reunion on June 14th. But it was not to be… we were all grief-strickened to hear she had passed just 3 days prior. I will forever regret that I had lost contact with her over the years, but I share the same hope as you that we will be reunited when our Savior returns! May God comfort you and bless you at this difficult time.
Jim Nolan says
Charlie, words can’t express how sad we are to hear this. You two shared such a deep, loving relationship. God bless you both
Robin Lium says
My heart is heavy with this news. Christie was a delight to work near while I worked in the State Library building. She brought joy and a smile to so many people in the Helena community. My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Cindy Holden says
Dear Charlie and Family,
My heart is heavy at the news of Christie’s
passing. I am so sorry for your loss. Christie
always brought a smile to my face, she was kind,
sincere and had such a gentle soul. I will miss her ver much. My prayers are with you all
Karen Dimmitt says
Dear Charlie, my heart hurts for you and your family. I don’t need to tell you how wonderful she was! She was a very classy, kind and compassionate lady. She was so incredibly brave. Hugs and sincere healing wishes to all of you
Terry Kramer says
Charlie. Sue and I are deeply sorry about the loss of Christie. She had a twinkle to her that touched everyone she met.
Barda A Allen says
Charlie, you have my deepest sympathy, I know the great loss of a loving partner and soulmate. A wise widow who lost her mate a year before I lost mine, told me the first year is like a rollercoaster with many ups and downs. Sending you blessings to heal your heart. Namaste, Barda A Allen
Colleen Hallberg says
I am so saddened to hear of Christie’s passing. I will keep her and you in my prayers.
Wally Melcher says
Charlie and Family,
We were so sad to learn of Christie’s passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers that God will comfort you at this difficult time of loss. Afton and Wally Melcher
Sue Dow says
Charlie,
I was so heartsick to hear of Christie’s passing. She certainly fought the good fight.
I only met her a few times but her lively personality just sparkled in her beautiful eyes. I know you are heartbroken but must have suffered so seeing her suffer.
I had hoped to join the celebration of her life today but just couldn’t make it happen.
Please know that I have held you in my thoughts and heart these past few days and will certainly do so today.
You are one of the best people I know on this earth. I am hoping for peace to find you and, also, to see you in the near future.
Much love to you Charlie,
Sue
Barb Schultz says
Dear Charlie,
No words can begin to describe our sorrow at the passing of your beloved Christie. She had a wonderful sense of humor, a caring heart and a deep love for you, all your children and grandchildren and love to share with all she came into contact with.
We will continue to keep you and your family in prayer and we also believe in the midst and deepest part of your grief you will find joy filled moments and feel the warmth and love all all who care for you.
The Schultz Family,
Don, Barb, and Elaine
Kim O'Neill Dales says
Charlie and family,
I am sorry I was not able to be at Christie’s memorial service. We unfortunately lost touch over the last few years but my childhood memories are very vivid. Christie was exactly 4 years older than I am, and when I said exactly I mean we share the same birthdate. Although I didn’t grow up in Portola, the majority of my aunts, uncles and cousins did, so visiting from Reno was always a big adventure. Christie was older, blond, and beautiful so when as a little girl 4 years seemed like a big age difference but she was always so fun to be around, and made me feel important.
The last time we spoke she was returning to Helena after have a treatment in Seattle. She was excited to get home, and extremely positive over the phone. We talked about grandchildren, my 1 and her 10! I am profoundly sorry for your loss, and happy to know you are surrounded by family and friends.
Kim O’Neill Dales and family
Kelly McNurlin says
Charlie,
I’m so very sorry to learn of your loss. What a gift she IS! Keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Jim and Terry Gundersen says
Charlie…..it’s Jim and Terry from the glass shop in Townsend. We are so very sorry to learn this sad news about Christie. She was such a ray of sunshine and we know that your heart is broken. Sending our thoughts to you and your family at this saddest of times. I feel bad that I had not heard until today of her passing. Please know that we are thinking of you.
Gabriel masiak says
hey I am the grandson Gabriel masiak and my garandma wash the best persone in the world