Frances Louise McVaigh (née Coale, formerly Briggs), 97, passed away on November 23, 2025. She is survived by her daughter, Joyce Gawthorp (Ron) of Lexington, South Carolina; her son, Jim Briggs (Jean Ann) of Bone Gap; her sister, Wanda Fennell (Bill) of Highland; her brother, Don Coale of Carterville; three granddaughters; and several great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husbands, Melvin Briggs and Gerald “Ged” McVaigh.
Frances was born on June 18, 1928, to Mary Fleta Englebright Coale and Gilbert Coale. She graduated from Bone Gap High School in 1946. After marrying Melvin on August 10, 1947, she made her home in Bone Gap, where the family owned and operated the local grain elevator. As a young adult, she worked at Meisner’s in Mount Carmel, and once her children were in school, she returned to work at Champion Laboratories in West Salem.
Following Melvin’s death, she sold the family business and moved to Mount Carmel. She later married Ged. During this time, Frances served as an administrator of a home-health care company, where she was honored at an awards ceremony for her exceptional leadership and commitment to customer service.
After Ged’s passing, she began attending the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), where she enjoyed the friendship and activities of her Sunday school class.
Frances stayed active throughout her life. She organized and led a women’s exercise class for decades, meeting several times a week and continuing until the age of 87. She enjoyed weekend dances with live bands, bingo nights, and was known for her sharp mind and skill at the pinochle table, often a sought-after partner among her friends.
A private memorial service for family, with interment beside Melvin in the Bone Gap Cemetery, will be held.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be left for the family at www.nalesfuneralhome.com. Nale’s Funeral Home of Albion is honored to serve and support the family.
