Barbara Joyce "BJ" (Howard) Briscoe

Barbara Joyce “BJ” Briscoe, a lifelong resident of Albuquerque, passed away peacefully on October 8, 2018, at the age of 77.  She was born to Roy Everett Howard and Katherine Faye Pool in Albuquerque, NM on November 10, 1940. After graduating from Albuquerque High School, she attended the University of New Mexico where she received her Bachelor of Science in 1962.  While attending UNM, she was an elected member of the Phi Sigma Society in 1961 and an elected member of the Phi Kappa Phi Society in 1962. In 1974, Barbara achieved certification by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists, and therefore was certified as a CT (ASCP). Her score was in the top two percent of all examinees in the United States. In 1978 she successfully passed the CT (IAC) Examination and became a Cytotechnologist Member of the International Academy of Cytology.  She was employed by SED Medical Labs.

After retiring she pursued her love of art and watercolor painting. She has been a contributing member to Amapola Gallery in Old Town Albuquerque since 2009. Barbara played Duplicate Bridge for many years, and in 2008 she achieved Life Master status with the American Contract Bridge League.  As a native of New Mexico, she loved to go on road trips and explore the state.

Barbara is survived by her daughter, Jennifer Briscoe Spradlin and son-in-law, Ron Spradlin; two grandchildren, Vanessa Spradlin Brown (Zane) and Robert Spradlin; and former spouse, Robert B. Briscoe II. She is also survived by her sister, Irma Jo Greslin; and two nieces, Deborah Glassmaker and Bonnie J. Perce (Lanny).  She was predeceased by her sister, Dorothy C. Howard; and her two beloved nieces, Carolyn Oltman and Katherine Jo Bechtel.

A Celebration of Life Service will take place on Saturday, October 27, 2018, 11:00 a.m., at FRENCH – Wyoming, with a reception to follow.  In lieu of flowers, her family asks that you donate to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, New Mexico Chapter.