1919
2013
Soledad
Flora Rose Handley
Mrs. Handley passed away Wednesday, March 6, 2013, at her home in Soledad. Flora Rose Borzini Handley was born October 2, 1919, in Greenfield to Swiss Italian immigrants, Carlo and Oliva Borzini. She was one of 10 Borzini children who grew up in Greenfield.
Flora was a loyal friend and independent spirit who wasn't afraid to tell you what was on her mind. Flora attended Greenfield Elementary School and King City High School, graduating in 1937.
In 1935, Flora met the love of her life, Richard "Dick" Handley, at a dance at Mission School. They were married on June 26, 1942, in Reno, NV, on their way to Omaha, NE, where Dick had been accepted into medical school. After World War II, the family moved back to Soledad, where Dr. Dick Handley established his medical practice.
Dr. Dick and Flora enjoyed more than 55 years of marriage and five children; Terry, Randy, Becky, Charm, and Robin. Flora enjoyed being part of the community in which she grew up. She enjoyed dancing and bowling with Dr. Dick and friends. They were a fixture in the Soledad community for many years with Flora being named Soledad Citizen of the Year in 1971.
Flora volunteered for many organizations, but cherished her time with the Girls Scouts where she was a leader for than 20 years. She also volunteered with the Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital Service League, volunteering in the hospital where Dr. Handley carried privileges. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Native of Daughters of the Golden West, Arroyo Seco Citizens Association, Our Lady of Solitude Catholic Church, and the Y.L.I. Flora made many lifelong friends through her years of service.
She was an avid San Francisco Giants fan and booster club member. Her prized possessions were a picture taken with Willy McCovey and bat signed by Willie Mays. She enjoyed listening to games with her grandson Steven and would often take her transistor radio to church to keep track of the baseball score!
While Soledad has changed throughout the years of Flora's life, her dedication to serving her community and her love of life will always be remembered by those whose lives were touched by her.
Mrs. Handley was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Richard Handley; daughter, Robin; parents, Carlo and Oliva Borzini; brothers, Lucio Borzini, Everett Borzini, Hugo Borzini, Henry Borzini, Fritz Borzini; and sisters, Lydia Donaldson, Francis Franscioni, Annie Sullivan, Rosie Silveria.
She is survived by her children, R. Terry Handley, Randy (Kay) Handley, Rebecca (Frank) Supon, Charmaine Madden; grandchildren, David Handley, R. Steven Handley, Christina Handley, Sean Supon, Lauren Supon, Chelsea Madden; two great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Delight Handley, Pat Borzini, Lena Borzini, Mary Borzini; as well as many nieces and nephews.
The Handley family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Christine Ponzio, the VNA Hospice Nurses, and the CaringHand Home Health Services for the attention and quality care Flora received during this time.
A Rosary will be recited Thursday, March 14, 2013 at 2 p.m. and Our Lady of Solitude Catholic Church in Soledad. Friends and family are invited for Visitation Thursday evening from 5 to 8 p.m. at Woodyard Funeral Home in Soledad.
Funeral Mass will be held Friday, March 15, 2013 at 10 a.m., at Our Lady of Solitude Catholic Church. After services, burial will commence at the Soledad Cemetery. A Reception with Polenta and Stew will follow Graveside services from 12 noon to 5 p.m., at the Our Lady of Solitude Parish Hall in Soledad.
Arrangements by Woodyard Funeral Home, 395 East St., Soledad, 831-678-9100; www.WoodyardFuneralHome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
My Condolences to Charm and the Handley Family on the loss of their Mother.
Judi Heer
March 13, 2013
Charm and family I am so sorry for your loss.Your in my thoughts during this difficult time.
Katie Davis
March 12, 2013
So sorry to hear of your loss. Some really good times were had at your house when we were kids!
Thinking of you
Karna,Cindy, and Becky Stoira
March 12, 2013
Mi Hermano Terry,
Te envio mi mas sentidas condolencias por el fallecimiento de tu querida Madre.
I never had the honor of personnaly knowing her; but I know she was an excellent and beautiful lady. You and your family were blessed to have enjoyed her and her love for so many years. Rest assured that she is in heaven in union with your father. They are both in the presence of Our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Please convey our sentiments to Randy and all your family from your friend Augustine and Lucy.
God bless you; and may He comfort you at this sorrowful time.
Augustine & Lucy
March 11, 2013
Randy and family, Our deepest condolences from the Woodworth family.
Bob/Kathy Woodworth
March 11, 2013
The Calderón family expresses condolences to the Handley family. Mrs Handley was truly a pillar in the community.
Jess Calderón
March 11, 2013
My mom & I want to express my deepest condolences to the Handley family during their time of grief. I'm glad to have had her as a family friend & loving godmother. I will truly miss her with all of my heart for the rest of my days.
Ms. Flora, you're at last reunited with Dr. Dick.
James Baltierra
March 10, 2013
grandma, i'm sure gonna miss you you were an amazing woman and a beautiful person. I'm glad my children got to be a part of your life. You lived a long a wonderful life and I admire you as a woman. Never judging and always there to give support when needed. I love you grandma and you will always hold a special place in my heart. Rest in paradise grandma you will truely be missed.
Christina Handley
March 9, 2013
Dear Randy & Family, We are sorry to hear of your loss. Scotty, John Elliott
March 9, 2013
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Jessie Mills
March 9, 2013
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