Marilyn Louise Handy

Marilyn was born on July 20, 1928, at home near the quaint town of Prairie Home, Nebraska, the 5th of 6 siblings raised on the farm by their parents, James R. and Ella Reed. Marilyn's early years were marked by life on the farm, attending a one room school house, grades 1-8 and taught by Mrs. Austin, and graduating from Northeast High School in Lincoln NE. in 1946.

She married Donald DL Handy, (who had recently returned home from combat duty in the Navy in WWII,) on November 10, 1946 in Marysville, KS. They lived together in Lincoln, NE, Arlington and Grand Prairie Texas. They had two children Peggy Ann Huber and Donald Michael Handy.

Marilyn worked 37 years as a Federal Civil Servant, retiring from the Department of Justice bureau of Immigration and Naturalization Services on December 30, 1989. She enjoyed a long career as a Personnel Specialist.

She was an avid bridge player and belonged to several bridge groups, including the Women’s Club of Grand Prairie and Nottingham Neighbors bridge groups. Marilyn was named “Woman of the Year” in Grand Prairie in recognition of her volunteer work. She loved to travel with friends and family, was an avid reader, and worked the daily NY crossword puzzles.

She was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church of Grand Prairie, TX. Marilyn navigated many life challenges with grace and wisdom, leaving a legacy of inspiration for those who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 37 years, Donald D. Handy, her parents James & Ella Reed, sister, Lillian Reed Dillion & Lil’s husband Leo & son Jack, brothers Don, Harold & his wife Virginia, James & his wife Sandy, and their daughter Julie Reed, and sister-in-law Mardel Reed.

Marilyn is survived by her children, daughter, Peggy A. Handy Huber & husband Bill, son Michael Handy, & wife Christi Presley Handy, & her brother Paul D. Reed: Grandchildren: Amy Huber Garza, Billy J. Huber & wife Ashley, Chris Handy & wife Bethany, Eric Michael Huber & wife Karie and Mitchell Handy: Great grandchildren, Jackson J. Perkins, Abigail E. Perkins, Ashley B. Huber, Taylor J. Huber, Harper C. Handy, Tyler W. Huber & Weston H. Handy, & Kelsey Lyn Huber: and many nieces, nephews, cousins & friends.

As we say farewell to Marilyn, we reflect on a life well-lived and a woman well-loved. Her spirit will forever be woven into the fabric of the places she called home—Marilyn's passing is a loss to all who had the privilege of knowing her, but her enduring legacy will remain a source of comfort and inspiration to all who loved her.

Her memory will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of those she has left behind.

Special thank you for the loving and gentle care our mother received at Pipestone Place of Assisted Living in San Antonio, by Sam and his extraordinary staff AND by Vitas Hospice, especially her nurse Jeff, & her gentle assistant, Chaplain Jack, who blessed her with their love and authentic kindnesses.