Signe was born in Warsaw, NY on February 17, 1953, to Lyle Hotchkiss and Gladys Flint Hotchkiss. She grew up on the Flint family farm in Pike, NY. She spent much of her youth engaged in various 4H activities, teaching and playing piano for Children’s Bible School at Bliss Baptist Church in Bliss, NY, and helping her parents on the farm.
Signe graduated in 1971 as the valedictorian of her class from Letchworth Central School. In 1975, she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in animal science from the New York State College of Agriculture and Life Science at Cornell University. In 1979, she graduated from the New York State College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree.
Upon graduating, Signe moved to Almond, NY where she began her veterinary career. She purchased Almond Veterinary Hospital in 1981 where she practiced until 1994, leaving to pursue a career as a relief veterinarian at various local clinics. This allowed her to devote time and attention to raising her daughter, Sara Briggs. She had not yet retired from her career as a veterinarian at the time of her passing.
Signe met Henry M. Briggs during her time as a large animal veterinarian, while tending to a sick cow in a farm pasture. They married on December 28, 1985. Together they had one daughter, Sara, whom they raised together on the Briggs family farm. Signe assumed role as president of L. H. Briggs, Inc. Dairy Farm in 2022 following the passing of her husband. She maintained this role until the time of her passing. Signe enjoyed life on the farm and was proud to be a dairywoman.
Signe volunteered her veterinary services at many area events and for various organizations. She enjoyed sewing, quilting, cooking, swimming, and the outdoors. She was affectionately known as “Beema” to her grandchildren and could often be found taking them to and from sporting events, swimming with them, or sweetening them with delicious treats. Signe’s ethics, honesty, and compassion made her a cherished friend who many sought for advice and camaraderie. She was known as a kind, selfless, and generous woman who will be missed dearly.
Signe was predeceased by her parents, Lyle Hotchkiss and Glady Flint Hotchkiss, her sister, Christine Hotchkiss, and her husband, Henry Briggs. She is survived by her daughter, Sara (Briggs) Hess, son-in-law, Trevor Hess, grandchildren Mickayla Carbone, Jonathan Carbone, Bailey Carbone, Bryan Hess, and Matthew Carbone, and numerous rescue pets who will miss her love and devotion.
There will be no calling hours or funeral services. Signe elected to donate her remains to the Anatomical Gift Program at the University of Rochester, just as her husband did.
In lieu of flowers, Signe asked that donations be made to Barn Cat Outreach, P.O. Box 11, Springwater, NY 14560.
“There are many plans in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand.” Proverbs 19:21
To send a remembrance please visit www.brownandpowersfuneralhomes.com or on Facebook @ Brown Powers FH.
Arrangements entrusted to Brown & Powers Funeral Home in Hornell.
