Rose Mary (May) Splain Briggs

On Aug. 28, 2021 just shy of her 94th birthday, passed away after a very full life. Rosie or Rosemary survived her first husband of 44 years, Dr. Robert Douglas Splain; her second husband of 17 years, Rodney Davis Briggs; son Patrick; daughter Rosemary Perry; parents Paul & Olga May and brother Paul. She is survived by five children: Robert (Denise), James (Diane), Catherine Sampson (Wayne), Paul (Eileen) and John (Amy). She is also survived by 11 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many friends. Throughout her life, she made a wonderful difference in the lives of so many family and friends.

Rosie grew up and lived her life in Chevy Chase and Bethesda. She told many stories about her wonderful childhood. During the Prohibition times, apparently some of her Ruppert (her Mother’s side) relatives were attempting to make champagne by putting dry ice into bottles of wine. Well, the bottles kept bursting their corks. The next-door neighbor heard the noise and banged on the door saying “I know you’re making alcohol in there.” The old biddy never got in! That’s why she enjoyed the party atmosphere, it was in the genes. Both the May and Ruppert families were old German American families that went back many generations in Washington DC. We have a photograph of the May’s and Ruppert’s at the laying of a cornerstone for the Catholic Church in what is now Chinatown at the turn of the Century, before her parents were even born.

When she was young, she had two ducks, Lord and Lady Pipsqueak, who of course sounded different and would follow her around, that is until a duck dinner was served. As a young girl she took riding lessons and competed one time with a horse, “Mister Bill”. She won the intermediate division, receiving a trophy and her picture in the newspaper, much to the chagrin of the older riders in her division. Rosie also told a story of receiving a baby alligator from her parents while they were in Florida on a business trip. One day the alligator opened his little jaws and clamped them on the toe of her shoe. He “disappeared” soon thereafter. Wonder if he is still in the sewers of Washington or did he make it to the sewers of New York?

She loved sports all her life including tennis and her beloved jet ski “Crazy Rosie” she used at the family summer home in Swan Point, MD. In her early life she enjoyed music, performing in plays, horseback riding, ballet and cooking. Throughout her life, she made a wonderful difference in the lives of so many family and friends.

She attended Trinity College and Rosemont. Rosie was a devout Catholic who served as a Eucharistic Minister and started the 2nd and 4th Monday social club for parish seniors. Her volunteer activities outside of Blessed Sacrament Church included Girl Scouts and the Christ Child Society.

For over 11 years, she lived at Maplewood Park Place in Bethesda where she met many new friends. While at her new home she took up billiards and was able to continue her love of performing by acting in staged readings and singing in the chorus.

Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at Blessed Sacrament Church, 5949 Western Ave. Wash. DC 20015 on Friday, September 3, 2021 at 12:00 PM. Burial services will be private. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to: Christ Child Society @ www.christchilddc.org or your favorite charity.

Due to Covid, the service will also be streaming at: https://youtu.be/n2b4Eidczf8