Phyllis Hand

Phyllis Lucile Carpenter Hand October 25, 1931 - April 18, 2011 Phyllis Hand, 79, passed away April 18 in Boise due to complications from a recent stroke. Phyllis was the middle child born to John "Jack" Clarence Carpenter of Houlton, Maine and Lucile Magnuson Carpenter of Ely, Nevada. Along with her brothers John and Jake, she grew up during the Great Depression and WWII. Ely, the Magnuson Ranch and her extended family were the center of her physical universe, and their memories endured throughout her lifetime. She graduated with honors from White Pine County High School in Ely and the University of Nevada in Reno, where she was a business administration major. Early in her senior year, Phyllis met a recent Korean War veteran, David Hand, on a blind date. By Thanksgiving, she took David to "The Ranch" and they were married on June 28, 1953. After David completed his master's degree in geology, they lived in Kimberly, Nevada, Maple, Ontario, and Montpelier, Idaho. When David became legally blind in 1964, Phyllis and David bought a family business in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Their six children grew up at the Falls View Motel, and many of her best friendships were formed during the Idaho Falls years. Phyllis and David moved to Boise in 1975; except from 1979-81, they have been Boise residents. As a small business owner and the spouse of a visually-impaired veteran, Phyllis was, by nature and by necessity, an incredibly independent person. Trained in business, she and David were a true team through good times and dark times. No person was more selfless than Phyllis. As a wife, she was always where David needed her to be. As a parent, she gently empowered her children and set examples by her actions more than her words. As a grandparent, she was present and available. As a friend, she was committed and caring. As a citizen, she was involved in her community. As a Roman Catholic, she was quietly devout and service-oriented. Phyllis would give the shirt off of her back and, in truth, she did. Even when life's circumstances left them with little to give, Phyllis and David gave more. The best and most recent example is their service at the Corpus Christi House, a homeless day shelter, where they have volunteered every Tuesday for many years. Their lesson to us all is that, when you have nothing material to give, you can still give your time and talents. Phyllis carried that spirit to her family's life as well. She lived for her children, grandchildren and an extended family network. Each of us has many special memories that demonstrate her love and dedication—sitting at a basketball game, making a unique blanket, celebrating birthdays. She was a giving caretaker, a skill that she needed more than she would have wished. Phyllis is survived by her husband, David Hand of Boise, and their children and partners: Kathi Hand of Seattle, David Hand and Dianna Santos of Boise, Karen (Hand) and Russell Comstock of Boise, John and Loraine Akins Hand of Boise, Marty Hand and Chrissy Roehrman of San Jose, and Kris (Hand) and Shane McNevin of Spokane. Her grandchildren are Emma McNevin, Gabriella Hand, Leaha Hand, Andrew Hand, Thomas McNevin, Morgan Hand, Alyssa Santos, Jared Hand, Ryan Hand, Kate McNevin, Rorie Hand, Myles Sansotta, Tony Johnson, and Christine Sansotta. Myles and his wife, Erin Hibbard Sansotta, brought their new daughter Molli to Boise in the months before Phyllis' death. Survivors also include her brothers John (Roseann) Carpenter of Elko, NV, and Jake (Norma) Carpenter of Bakersfield, CA, and her sister-in-law Merilyn Rinchen Hand of Paia, Hawaii along with many nieces and nephews. Her nephew and niece, John T. Carpenter and Vitina Reminger of Boise, cousin Paul Carpenter of Elko and cousin Mike Carpenter of Houlton, Maine were especially close to Phyllis. Her former son and daughters-in-law are William Johnson, Kelly Reich, Amy Walker, and Jennifer O'Reilly. She was preceded in death by her dear cousin, Mary Catherine Clarke of Louisville, Kentucky, whose funeral coincided with the hour of Phyllis' death. The long list of meaningful friendships she had is too long to print?but you know who you are and we thank you. Her dearest friends include Mary Kay Pendrey, Sister Mary Louise Deroin, Hermie Belliet, and Gerry Wielang. The family appreciates Phyllis' co-workers at the International Sweet Shoppe, Silver Creek Computers and Walmart (Overland) in Boise for their friendship over the years. Thanks also to the staffs at St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center and Elks Rehabilitation Hospital. A wake to celebrate her life will be held on Easter Sunday from 3:30-6:30p.m. at Sacred Heart Church. Mass of Christian Burial and reception will be held on Monday, April 25 at 11a.m. at Sacred Heart Church. Burial at Idaho State Veterans Cemetery to follow. Arrangements are under the direction of the Alden-Waggoner Funeral Chapel. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Phyllis' memory to the Corpus Christi House at 525 American Boulevard, Boise ID 83702 or http://corpuschristi.wordpress.com/donate/.