Annalee Briggs

Annalee Briggs, age 79 of Sanford, went to her heavenly home on Wednesday, July 29, 2025. She was born on December 11, 1945 in Midland. She married Gary Briggs on January 25, 1969 in her parents' home. They had two children who they raised in the family home located behind the business on Saginaw Road. From 2005 until 2020, Annalee and Gary enjoyed spending their winters in Molokai, Hawaii where they created many special memories with their Hawaiian friends and family.

Annalee served several years on the Sanford Chamber of Commerce and supported her community in any way she could. Her most important role was following her grandchildren around to their various sporting and school events. She enjoyed reading, was a theatre enthusiast and was a Celtic Thunder "groupie". Annalee cherished nature which she observed from her back porch in Michigan and her Hawaiian Lanai. She was a lifelong follower of Jesus Christ and was comforted by her faith during her difficult battle with cancer.

Her memory will be cherished by her children Anna (Dean) Merillat, Jon (Digger) Briggs. She was a loving grandma to Hannah Merillat, Haylee Merillat (Damien Brown) and Heidi Merillat, all of Sanford. Also surviving are her siblings, Denise Cole, Jake (Beth) Cole, Dennis Cole, Bill Cole, Bev Hildebrandt, Janet Rhondes, and Karen (Stan) Carter.

Annalee was preceded in death by her mother and stepfather, Allen and Lydia Cole; father, Robert Hildebrandt; brothers, Robert and Gary Hildebrandt, Phillip and Allen Cole Jr.; and in-laws, Bill and Edna Briggs.

Funeral services for Annalee will be conducted at 11:00 am on Friday, August 1, 2025 at Wilson MILLER Funeral Home. Pastor Kurt Cormier will officiate with burial to follow in Jerome Twp Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 5:00pm – 8:00 pm and on Friday from 10:00 am until the time of service. Memorial contributions may be offered to Community Construct Inc/Skills for Tomorrow Remodeling.