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Marguerite Handwerk
Marguerite Handwerk
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Marguerite Handwerk Obituary
She was born in Highlandtown, Baltimore in 1957 to Spyros and Helen Cavalieros. She graduated from Patterson High School in 1975 and then Essex Community College in 1978. She met and married her beloved husband, Dwayne, in 1987 and together they spent some time in Upstate New York where she graduated as a Registered Nurse in 1990 from Broome County Community College. Together, they started a family and raised their two daughters, Anastasia and Gabrielle.
Rita lived a life devoted to her family and serving others, and was an example of Christian love in every way. She did everything she could to support her family; she worked nights to spend more time with her family during the day, lead Girl Scout troops, and coordinated fundraising for her daughters' Marching Band. She was active in her Christian faith and was a member and volunteer at Grace Fellowship Church in Shrewsbury, Pennsylvania and volunteered at The Southern York County Pantry helping those in need in her community.
Rita enjoyed spending time outdoors with her family, especially while camping and hiking. A lover of ice cream, rainbows, and coffee mugs, she also fiercely loved her family and friends. She shared her passion for music with her daughters, and she was never one to shy away from the dance floor! Rita also loved to bake and enjoyed making people smile with her delicious Greek (and non-Greek) desserts.
Rita is survived by her husband, Dwayne, her two daughters, Anastasia and Gabrielle, her three beloved granddaughters Eleni, Iris, and Elsie, and her siblings Bobby, Mitzi, and Nick. She was predeceased by her loving parents, Spyros and Helen.
The family will be holding a Celebration of Life service at Fallston United Methodist Church, 1509 Fallston Rd, Fallston, MD 21047 in late August. Please contact the family for more details.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in her memory to Fallston United Methodist Church, Grace Fellowship Church of Shrewsbury, PA, or The Southern York County Pantry.
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Sharon Zachry
October 15, 2024
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your wife and mother. Prayers to you and your family.
Kelley Starr
July 31, 2024
Rita, Stephanie and I all worked together, she was the most sweet genuine person I´ve ever known. She attended my Wedding I´m looking for the picture. She will be ever loved and missed
Stephanie Jo Ference
July 28, 2024
We met thru a patient of mine, and, somehow, i was blessed with Rita's friendship. We were besties for a few years in our twenties as we were forging our way into adulthood. Rita taught me a few lessons in maintaining my faith and composure when dealing with difficult people. She would come over in the middle of the night in her PJ's and goof around when we were thrift shopping.
There are not enough words to describe her kindness, compassion, and humor.
She will be missed. I wish you comfort in your grief in knowing how much she was loved and loved others.
Diane & Steve McCarty
July 27, 2024
We will remember Rita as a very kind person, and one who never complained even though she faced health challenges every day.
We will miss you Rita
Diane and Steve McCarty
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Kim Crispens
July 27, 2024
I met Rita when I started volunteering at The Community Closet at Grace Fellowship Church in Shrewsbury. Rita was the first person to welcome me and I felt a connection with her instantly. Rita was always giving of herself 100% especially to her family, they were everything to her. She never let her illness get her down although she suffered silently. Rita new the Lord and I´m sure her heavenly crown I massive and full of jewels!! Love you girl!
Emma Bradley-Hunt
July 27, 2024
Rita and I were friends since college when we were in the same work study program. I use to go to her house and her mom would make the best greek food. She came from a wonderful family and was the most amazing lady.
In the 45 years I have known her, I was always drawn to her kind, beautiful, gentle, sweet spirit. Her faith inspired and encouraged me. She is the one person I would call when struggling as I could always count on her positive, encouraging, christian advice. I was so blessed to have known her and am deeply saddened by this huge loss. A bright light has definitely gone out but I am excited we will meet again and enjoy eternity together!! <3
Ruth Davis
July 27, 2024
Rita will be missed but our ZLord has plans for her. Ruth Davis
Linda Miller
July 27, 2024
My sincerest sympathy to the family of Rita. I was fortunate and blessed to meet Rita at the Southern York County Pantry a few years ago. She was an asset in helping feed the hungry in our communities. May God Bless you.
Doris Tigue
July 27, 2024
When Rita and her family moved in across the street, we became good friends immediately . Our children rode the bus together, Rita and I often got together for coffee afterwards. We worked at Lourdes, she followed me on the night shift. Everyone looked forward to what Rita would bring in to eat. She loved to bake.
I will miss her laughter and friendship.
I am heartbroken
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