Councilmember Terri Briere, who served on the Renton City Council since 2000, died Nov. 9 in her home in Renton, following an extended illness. Briere’s family members informed city officials of her passing. She was 63 years-old.

Briere was first appointed to the council in 2000 and re-elected in 2002. Her current term was set to expire in 2017.

Briere was the current chair of the Finance Committee and a member of the Planning and Development Committees and the Public Safety Committee.

Mayor Denis Law has ordered all flags at city facilities to be lowered to half-staff.

“Our city mourns the loss of Councilmember Terri Briere, a dedicated public servant with deep roots in this community. We owe Renton’s progress and success to the tireless work and dedication of Councilmember Briere,” Law said in a press release. “She was a strong supporter of the Renton community and worked tirelessly on the city’s comprehensive plan. Councilmember Briere will be deeply missed by her city council colleagues, and our city’s residents, business owners, key stakeholders and staff. Through her hard work and collaborative style, Terri earned the respect of her council colleagues, city department heads, and elected leaders throughout the region. She played a significant role in moving this city forward in the economic development arena, which resulted in bringing The Landing, Seahawks, Federal Reserve Bank and other major investments to Renton.”

Mayor Law also commented, “Terri’s death is a huge loss to the city and the entire community. She has been a tremendous leader in this community and truly deserves much credit for helping to improve the quality of life in Renton. Terri led by example, volunteering her time and talents to many local organizations. She was very proud of her alma mater Renton High, and never missed an opportunity to promote her school. Our hearts and prayers go out to the Briere family, who has suffered tremendous losses these past few months, including the death of Terri’s husband Bill. We send our condolences to Councilmember Briere’s family and friends. They are in our thoughts and prayers during this time of profound loss. Terri was taken from all of us far too soon.”

Briere was born and raised in Renton. She and her husband Bill owne Briere and Associates Inc., a general contracting firm in Renton. She loved Renton’s amenities and its wonderful people.

Always an avid volunteer, she was active through the years with the Greater Renton Chamber of Commerce, Friends of Renton High School, Renton Rotary, Renton Historical Society, PTA, and Children’s Home Society of Washington.

For these and other efforts, Briere was named an Outstanding Renton Citizen for 2003.

“I have served with Terri for the past 14 years, and she was a trusted colleague and friend. Her passion for Renton and our citizens never diminished,” said Council President Don Persson.

Briere is survived by her children Bill Jr. and Maureen and two grandchildren Cole and Alison. We will provide information about the funeral service when available.