
Valley Falls- Lorraine G. (Briggs) Agan, 95, a longtime resident of Valley Falls, died peacefully Wednesday July 24, 2024, in the comfort of her home with her loving family by her side following a short illness.
Born in the Town of Easton, May 2, 1929, Lorraine was the daughter of the late Raymond H. and Helen E. (Pettys) Briggs and, for over 62 years, the devoted wife of the late William C. “Bill” Agan, who predeceased her on January 18, 2013.
Lorraine and Bill were married on May 20, 1950.
Lorraine was a graduate of the former Valley Falls High School and Troy Business College, where she studied Business and Accounting Services.
As a young woman, she was employed right out of high school for several years by Rensselaer County as a stenographer at the County Court house, taking the train to and from work each day between Troy and Valley Falls. Lorraine was an administrative assistant at the coal and gristmill company owned and operated by her husband and partners in Valley Falls. Most recently, she held the same post and many more, as the company grew and transitioned into Wiley Brothers Inc. in Schaghticoke. After more than 50 years of service, while also raising her family and caring for her home, she retired in 2007.
Lorraine was a member of the Valley Falls United Methodist Church, and at the church’s last anniversary, the longest living church member. She was an excellent cook, enjoyed working in her flower gardens, and was fortunate to travel extensively with Bill and her children, including many vacations to Otter Pond in the Town of Newcomb and to the southern coast of Italy, England and Columbia regions, where she got to experience the region’s culture, food, and art. Lorraine stayed “sharp” by playing games of Scrabble with her family and completing jigsaw puzzles.
Lorraine is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Joan and Dr. Eduardo Anzola of Valley Falls, and her son and daughter-in-law, William B. and Donna Agan of Schaghticoke, and her son and daughter-in-law, Vincent and Allison Speanburgh and grandson, Devin Speenburgh, a sister, Beverly Moore of Valley Falls, and a brother and sister-in-law, Wayne and Carol Briggs of Crystal Lake, Illinois, and many nieces, nephews, and their respective families located across the country. In addition to her late husband and parents, she was predeceased by a sister, Helene Briggs, and two brothers, Walden Briggs and Ramon Briggs.
Relatives and friends are invited to call at the Valley Falls United Methodist Church on Saturday, September 21, 2024 from 2:00-4:00 P.M. A memorial service for Lorraine, officiated by Rev. Dion Marquit, will be held at the Church at 4:00 P.M. A light reception will follow. The committal service for Lorraine will be held on Monday, September 23, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at the Saratoga National Veterans Cemetery. Those wishing to attend are invited to gather at the Church parking area on Monday at 9:15 a.m. and ready to process to the cemetery at 9:30 a.m., or meet the procession just outside the cemetery gate at 10:15 a.m.
At the request of the family, memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to either the Valley Falls United Methodist Church, PO Box 236, Valley Falls, NY 12185, the Hoosic Valley Rescue Squad, 1448 NY Route 40, Schaghticoke, NY 12054, or to the Valley Falls Free Library, 42 State Street, Valley Falls, NY 12185, in memory of Lorraine G. (Briggs) Agan.
Born in the Town of Easton, May 2, 1929, Lorraine was the daughter of the late Raymond H. and Helen E. (Pettys) Briggs and, for over 62 years, the devoted wife of the late William C. “Bill” Agan, who predeceased her on January 18, 2013.
Lorraine and Bill were married on May 20, 1950.
Lorraine was a graduate of the former Valley Falls High School and Troy Business College, where she studied Business and Accounting Services.
As a young woman, she was employed right out of high school for several years by Rensselaer County as a stenographer at the County Court house, taking the train to and from work each day between Troy and Valley Falls. Lorraine was an administrative assistant at the coal and gristmill company owned and operated by her husband and partners in Valley Falls. Most recently, she held the same post and many more, as the company grew and transitioned into Wiley Brothers Inc. in Schaghticoke. After more than 50 years of service, while also raising her family and caring for her home, she retired in 2007.
Lorraine was a member of the Valley Falls United Methodist Church, and at the church’s last anniversary, the longest living church member. She was an excellent cook, enjoyed working in her flower gardens, and was fortunate to travel extensively with Bill and her children, including many vacations to Otter Pond in the Town of Newcomb and to the southern coast of Italy, England and Columbia regions, where she got to experience the region’s culture, food, and art. Lorraine stayed “sharp” by playing games of Scrabble with her family and completing jigsaw puzzles.
Lorraine is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Joan and Dr. Eduardo Anzola of Valley Falls, and her son and daughter-in-law, William B. and Donna Agan of Schaghticoke, and her son and daughter-in-law, Vincent and Allison Speanburgh and grandson, Devin Speenburgh, a sister, Beverly Moore of Valley Falls, and a brother and sister-in-law, Wayne and Carol Briggs of Crystal Lake, Illinois, and many nieces, nephews, and their respective families located across the country. In addition to her late husband and parents, she was predeceased by a sister, Helene Briggs, and two brothers, Walden Briggs and Ramon Briggs.
Relatives and friends are invited to call at the Valley Falls United Methodist Church on Saturday, September 21, 2024 from 2:00-4:00 P.M. A memorial service for Lorraine, officiated by Rev. Dion Marquit, will be held at the Church at 4:00 P.M. A light reception will follow. The committal service for Lorraine will be held on Monday, September 23, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at the Saratoga National Veterans Cemetery. Those wishing to attend are invited to gather at the Church parking area on Monday at 9:15 a.m. and ready to process to the cemetery at 9:30 a.m., or meet the procession just outside the cemetery gate at 10:15 a.m.
At the request of the family, memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to either the Valley Falls United Methodist Church, PO Box 236, Valley Falls, NY 12185, the Hoosic Valley Rescue Squad, 1448 NY Route 40, Schaghticoke, NY 12054, or to the Valley Falls Free Library, 42 State Street, Valley Falls, NY 12185, in memory of Lorraine G. (Briggs) Agan.