1926 – 2014

LEWISTON — Laura Mae (Briggs) Goss, 87, passed away peacefully, with her family by her side after an unexpected illness on Sunday, April 6.

Laura was born a daughter of the late Bernard and Gertrude (Chappell) Briggs on Oct. 28, 1926, in Auburn. She graduated with the Class of 1945 from Edward Little High School.

Laura always worked full time while raising her two children. Her last full-time employment was at Taylor Brook Dental in Auburn as a dental assistant.

Drama was something that Laura always enjoyed and she was the female lead in her senior play.

Laura’s walk with God and her family was her top priority. She was known as the matriarch of the family (and proud of it). She was called “Nannie” by almost everyone who knew her.

She knit sweaters, hats, mittens and afghans for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also knit and sewed hats, mittens and sweaters to donate to various charities in town. Her baking was the highlight of all family gatherings, with fights over the cinnamon rolls and whoopie pies.

While living at Great Falls Plaza (the esplanade), her schedule was full of the games she enjoyed with her friends.

Laura is survived by her daughter, Robin (Goss) Leblanc and her husband, Denis, of Auburn; her sister, Lillayne B. Read, of Auburn; her brother, William Briggs and his wife, Jean, of Haverhill, Mass.; her daughter-in-law, Carolyn (Small) Stone, of Florida; grandchildren, Angela Baril and her partner, Edward Leblanc, of Mechanic Falls, Kerry Brent Small Jr. and his wife, Kristine, of Fairfield, Shane Leblanc and his wife, Crystal, of Methuen, Mass., and Beth Veilleux and her husband, Erik, of Lewiston; 13 great-grandchildren; and eight nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her son, Kerry Brent Small Sr.; her sister, Alberta Pratt; and two brothers-in-law.