Clarissa Marie Handy, 90, a longtime Sedro-Woolley resident, went to be with Jesus on November 3, 2017, while at home surrounded by her family, following a short illness.
She was born on August 20, 1927 in Thedford, Nebraska, the daughter of William & Clara (Herbaugh) Pells. She was raised and attended school in Nebraska until the family moved to the Sedro-Woolley area in 1940 where she continued school.
On October 26, 1942, she was united in marriage to William ‘Howard’ Handy at Samish. They settled in Sedro-Woolley to raise their family in the house they built.
Clarissa was dedicated to being a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She served as a Cub Scout Den mother and was involved with her daughters in a baton twirling group that attended numerous parades. When not doting on her family she kept busy cooking, quilting, crocheting and making her infamous mints for all occasions. She was very active with the Bethel Assembly of God Church (now Inspire Church) and with the Louis G. Sharpenburg Orthopedic Guild. For a short time she worked as a cook at Northern State Hospital. After Howard retired, they enjoyed traveling across the country, visiting with family and working on family history.
She is survived by her husband, Howard, of 75 years, at the family home; her daughters and their husbands, Clara May & Gordon Hooper of Sedro-Woolley and Diane & Don Feeney of Bow; her son, Bill Handy of Sedro-Woolley; a sister, Mary Lou Oliver of Kennewick, WA; 5 grandchildren, Bonnie Morrill, Bill Bailey (Cheri), Kelly Bailey (Tammi), Dennis Feeney (Megan), and Darrel Feeney (Danielle); 13 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews and extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Donna Bailey; granddaughter, Vicki White; brothers, George & Phillip Pells and sisters, Esther Stone and Ruth Allread. Memorials in honor of Clarissa are suggested to Hospice of the Northwest or your favorite charity.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, November 11, 2017 at 2:30 PM at Lemley Chapel in Sedro-Woolley with Pastor Bill Bates officiating. Interment will follow at the Sedro-Woolley Union Cemetery. Share memories of Clarissa and sign the online guest register at www.lemleychapel.com
Dear Howard,
We have been reminiscing about all the many wonderful and fun times we have spent with ‘cousin’ Clarissee and you. You became parent-figures for us after Mary and Walt both passed. Your home became our Sedro-Woolley destination when we visited. Your phone calls, Clarissee’s newsy letters and cards and your welcoming home have meant so much. Please know that we love you and dear Clarissee, and always will.
Dear Bill, Clara May and Diane,
Our hearts are with you and the rest of the family today. Please know Gary and I wish we could be there to celebrate the life of your special mother, grandmother and great grandmother.
Aunt Clarissa was a wonderful, loving aunt who will be remembered so fondly in our hearts. We received many blessings and a lot of joy from her and Uncle Howard. How much she will be missed! To Uncle Howard and our cousins, we love you so much, and remain always at the ready for anything you need.
Our family was one of the many beneficiaries of Clarissa’s generosity when she made those delicious mints for both our sons’ weddings many years ago! Our thoughts and prayers are with Howard and the family. Love in Christ Jesus, Bill and Jeanne (Linn) Johns
Gramma Handy was a very special blessing in my life. From the first time I met her as a teenager she made me feel as if she was my very own Grandma. She made her time here well spent and gave her whole heart to every person around her. I thank you Handy family for sharing such a wonderful lady with me and my family. I have many wonderful memories of her. May God comfort each of you in the days ahead. Rest in peace sweet lady.
With much love to all of you from the Whitlock family.
Howard,
Sorry to hear of your loss. Thank you for being so nice to us when we would visit. It was always greatly appreciated.
DeWayne Donaldson (husband of Maniqua Sackman-Donaldson; son-in-law of Gary and Nanci Sackman)
My sincere condolences to all of the family. Heaven gained a beautiful angel, with a heart and soul made of gold. Fond memories of her amazing spirit, and of course popcorn balls. She will be missed. May she wrap her new wings around you all and give you comfort.
Dear Howard and Family
Memories of Clarissa will always be special. Her warm hospitality, smiles and hugs brought joy to all of us that knew her. She had that wonderful ability to make you feel that time spent with you was very special to her. Thank you Clarissa for all those special moments.
Our love and prayers are with each of you.