Patricia Cosand Briscoe

Patricia Lei Cosand Briscoe was welcomed into the loving arms of Jesus on June 25, 2025, just days before her 86th birthday. Born on June 27, 1939, in Uhrichsville, Ohio, to Jesse and Marjorie Cosand, Pat moved to Tucson, Arizona with her family after the war as a young child.

In junior high and high school, Pat's life centered around the love of her life, William “Bill” Briscoe. Bill played in the Tucson High School marching band and Pat was a baton twirler, where they performed in games and marched in parades together. Pat also sang in swing band while Bill played. In 1959, Pat and Bill married in Tucson. After she graduated from the St. Mary's School of Nursing and he graduated from the University of Arizona, they moved to Phoenix where they made their home in what was then northwest Phoenix. Their life flourished in that home for 48 years. Pat and Bill spent their later years in Sun City.

Bill preceded her in death on June 17, 2019, just shy of their 60th wedding anniversary. Together, they raised their family, including their children Leah (Mike) Carson, Blake (Arleen) Briscoe, and Kara (Tony) Liethen. Pat was a loving grandmother to Mallory Briscoe, Ethan Briscoe, Quinnton Briscoe, Laura Liethen, Chance (Cierra) Liethen and Hayden Liethen. She is also survived by her sisters Alice Jane (Tom) Shillington and Deborah (Sonny) Molina.

Pat was a pioneer in the nursing field, serving in the NICU at St. Joseph's Hospital in Phoenix when that unit was first established. Her career spanned over 35 years, during which she also served as a flight nurse, school nurse, medical missionary in Mexico, pediatric nurse at Children's Medical Center in Phoenix and nurse for all the neighborhood kids' boo-boos. In addition to her nursing career, Pat earned an Associate of Arts degree in Interior Design and enjoyed using her creativity in that field for several years before returning to caring for children and families in pediatric nursing.

Pat was a long-time member of Desert Christian Fellowship where she was involved in Bible study and became friends with a special group of ladies who met regularly for fun lunches for the past 20 years. She had previously served as Chairman of the Worship Department and was one of the first female elders at Phoenix Central Christian Church. There, she created plays, interactions with the Jewish community and others, planned worship services, developed curricula and directed Vacation Bible Schools. She was also known for her big August parties in celebration of Pat and Bill's anniversary, with themes like Hawaiian luaus and belly dancing. She channeled her creativity into landscape design, gardening, stained glass, tole painting and dried flower arranging. She also earned and maintained her Maricopa County Master Gardener status. At one point, Pat had over 100 rose bushes on their property, which helped her win accolades at the Arizona State Fair for both fresh and dried rose entries. Pat was a lifelong student and teacher of the Bible, studying with Bible Study Fellowship for many years, and she wanted everyone to know Jesus, especially her children and grandchildren. Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6.

Pat and Bill shared a love for travel and traveled the country in their camper with their children many summers. She supported her husband and son for almost 25 years traveling to motorcycle races throughout Arizona and Mexico. The whole family enjoyed many years in their condo in Pinetop, where Pat also had fun in interior design updating all of the units and antiquing with her White Mountain friends. In retirement, they spent two winter months in Hawaii each year for over 20 years, where they embraced the local culture and made many friends. They were also able to travel throughout Europe and the United States.

Pat was raised in a home surrounded by music, so music was very important to her all of her life. She said she “found music can calm your soul, make you joyful enough to dance and clap your hands, open a floodgate of tears from memories or emotions, but most of all music is a gift from God”. She found music “a way to worship Him that can cross all barriers”. Come worship the Lord and share in the memories of Pat Briscoe at her Victory Service on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 10am at Desert Christian Fellowship located at 1445 West Northern Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona. Please wear Hawaiian attire to celebrate Pat's love of Hawaii and her middle name (Lei). Please also refrain from wearing any fragrances, for medical reasons. There will be a luncheon following the services at the church. Pat will be laid to rest with Bill at 2pm at Resthaven Park Cemetery, 6450 W. Northern Avenue, Glendale.