Ann Briarton Obituary

Briarton
Ann Briarton
June 25, 1925
February 19, 2023

On Feb. 19, 2023, Ann Thedosia Rossi Briarton passed peacefully in her sleep. Ann was born in Placerville, California, June 25, 1925, to Will and Geneva Lawyer Rossi. At 97 years young, Ann was 4th generation in El Dorado County on both the Rossi and Lawyer sides of her family. Her great grandparents came to California in the 1850's.
She was one of the oldest surviving graduates of El Dorado HS in Placerville, in which she graduated Class of 1943. After HS, she was active in Native Daughter's of the Golden West.
In 1955, she married decorated Air Force pilot Henry R. "Dusty" Briarton, whom she met at Mather Air Force Base in California. She gave birth to James "Rusty" Briarton in 1959. For nearly 40 years, her vibrant world was that of an Air Force wife. Throughout Dusty's assignments overseas and their relocations to Louisiana, Nebraska, Arizona, and the Pentagon, Ann met many lifelong friends through the Officers' Wives Club. She chaired many committees, held multiple offices and loved hosting lively parties for friends and family.
Ann and Dusty both loved the Air Force and they retired in Colorado Springs. While Rusty was a cadet at the Air Force Academy, their home became a second home to many cadets who became family. She loved attending the Falcon football games, where they held season tickets. She had a love for flowers as a talented florist and owned Rusty Ann's Flowers on Academy Blvd for many years.
Ann's favorite yearly getaway was to Oahu, Hawaii. It was always a family event during their stay at the Hale Koa hotel on Waikiki and has become a cherished destination for the Briarton family. She had a close relationship with her granddaughter, Alex, whom she helped raise from a very young age and enjoyed watching her great-grandson, Mason, grow for 10 wonderful years.
Ann was predeceased by her parents, husband Col Henry R. Briarton, son James Briarton, brother Drew Rossi, and sister Ronda LaPorte. Ann is survived by granddaughter, Alexandra Briarton and great-grandson, Mason Briarton, and many nieces and nephews. She also leaves her dear lifelong friend, Frances Feist. Their mothers gave birth to them 12 days apart. They have spent the past two years living down the hall from each other in the same care facility.
Ann was known for her spunk, tenacity, wit, love of country, singing "Wild Blue Yonder" and fiercely caring for all of those she loved. Ann will be interned in Evergreen Cemetery with her husband and son. Her family will share plans of a Celebration of Life ceremony at a future date.