Flora Rose Handley

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