Norma Gene Handy

1940 - 2021

Norma Gene Handy
February 6, 1940 - February 20, 2021
san Diego
Norma Gene Handy passed to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on February 20, 2021. She is survived by her husband, Cline, children Jennifer, Emily, and Jonathan, grandchildren Nicholas and Marie Handy, and sisters Clara Jo Brown and Linda Ekstrom.She was born to Eugene and Joey Ham in Lamesa, Texas, on February 6, 1940. The family moved to California in 1941. She attended Grossmont High School and Stanford University, earning a degree in Political Science in 1961. She received a Master's degree in history from the University of San Diego. She met her future husband, Cline, at Stanford. They were married in El Cajon, California, on July 16, 1961. They moved to Chicago for Cline's medical training and then to Munich, Germany, for his Army service. They returned to San Diego in 1968.Norma was a devoted wife and mother. Her love was unwavering. Though she did not like argument and confrontation, her understanding was deep and her way of seeing the world was fair and loving. She believed in God and family and was a loyal friend to many. She led by example. All who knew her respected her, as she and they were on this life's journey. Her spirit was generous and empathetic. Her personality warmed the hearts of many she met. Norma grew up and lived much of her life in a time of optimism, determined not to just make a difference, but to lead an exemplary life. The times suited her idealism as one of the Greatest Generation. "Norm" was not overly sentimental. Her love, devotion, and loyalty were demonstrated for all. Her smile drew people in. She believed that all humans are created in the image of God and therefore equal and deserving of respect. Norma loved her family above all else in this world.She also loved animals (except slugs), reading, art, gardening, walking and running, tennis, cooking, traveling, eating sushi at the Sushi Den in Denver, Colorado, wine (especially New Zealand sauvignon blanc), stage plays, Padre baseball, bird-watching, American history, and the daily newspaper. She had no concept of or use for computers. She really liked "Evita", "Jesus Christ Superstar" and Hank Williams' "Hey Good Lookin', Whatcha Got Cookin?'" Norma is gone from us here, but she lives in Jesus and in the hearts of those who knew her.