JEANNIE MAE HANDWERK

1930 - 2011

Jeannie Mae Handwerk, 81, passed away on February 7, 2011 in La Conner, WA. Jeannie was born on January 30, 1930 in Burlington, WA, one of eight children and daughter of Charles and Alice (Watkinson) Penley.

She grew up in Alger and attended both Burlington and Mount Vernon schools. She was united in marriage to Paul Martin. From that union came her two sons Michael and Reginald.

Later she went to work for Tradewell Stores. There she met and married Francis "Bud" Handwerk on June 4, 1964.

In 1972 they moved to Eastern, WA, where Jeannie worked at Rosauers Grocery and together they opened Blue Wing Animal Kennels.

They later moved to Shelter Bay in La Conner, WA and retired.

Jeannie was an extremely hard worker, full of life and energy. She adored animals and cared for many pets over the years. She enjoyed long walks to the beach, swims on warm summer days, drinks with her girlfriends, and country music, especially Jim Reeves and George Strait. She and Bud loved to travel, take out their boat and work in their yard.

Jeannie treasured her family and looked forward to the annual family reunions. Her adventurous soul, infectious laugh and loving spirit will remain in our hearts always. She will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to have known and loved her.

Jeannie is survived by her husband of 46 years, Bud Handwerk; her two sons, Michael Martin (Debbie) of Mount Vernon, WA, Reginald Martin of La Conner, WA; and stepsons Frank Handwerk (Martha) of Great Falls, MT, Hans Handwerk (Beth) of Spokane, WA, Terry Handwerk (Sue) of Spokane, WA; 16 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; one brother Jack Penley of Sedro-Woolley, WA; one sister Lorraine Overway of Tacoma, WA; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; 3 sisters, Shirley Hovde, Noni Nelson and June Hastings; 2 brothers, Robert Penley and Bernard "Bernie" Penley.

The family would like to offer it's deepest gratitude to the gentle and caring staff of Mira Vista Care Center, Island Hospital, Fidalgo Care Center and La Conner Retirement Inn. They also request that donations be made to your local animal shelter in Jeannie's loving memory.

A memorial honoring and celebrating her life will be held at a later date.