Obituary of Shirley Ruby Handy

Handy, Shirley Ruby (nee Archer) It is with profound sadness that the family announce the passing of Shirley Ruby Handy (nee Archer) in her 88th year. After a brief illness and peacefully with her son Douglas by her side, on Wednesday December 30, 2020 at Soldiers Memorial Hospital in Orillia. Beloved wife of 67 years to James Ronald Handy. Cherished mother of Douglas (Cynthia) and Shane (Leslie-Ann). Devoted Grandmother to Craig (Samantha), Francesca, Alexander and Matthew. Proud daughter of the late Reginald and Mary Archer. Dear sister of Faye predeceased (Lawrence) Townes and Donald (Margaret) Archer. Dear sister-in-law of Ruby Crowe predeceased and Leonard (Doreen) Handy both predeceased. Shirley will be deeply missed by many nieces, nephews, relatives, friends and all who knew her. Born at Langman’s Corners on May 20, 1933 Shirley enjoyed many a happy time on her family’s farm. She attended high school in Elmvale and met her husband Jim there at a street dance. After marrying she put her business certificate and amazing math skills to work as a bookkeeper for Harris Electric, Eaton’s and at CKVR until 1960 when she left to start her family. In 1972 Shirley and Jim moved to Jarratt where they as partners successfully ran Handy’s Service Center together for 16 years before moving into Orillia. Shirley then worked at the Orillia Co-Op until retiring in 1999. Shirley was gifted with a talent for baking wonderful treats especially her famous butter tarts. She adored visits and talking with her grandchildren, enjoyed gardening, phone calls and socializing with friends and relatives, as well as camping, motorcycling, boating and snowmobiling. Shirley snowmobiled as recently as March 2020 with the Bass Lake Snowrunners. Board and card games, especially euchre were another of Shirley’s favourite activities, played with family and friends. Shirley will be missed for her love and devotion of family, her kind, gentle and generous soul, quick wit and her genuine caring of others. Cremation has taken place and no services will be held at this time. Services will be held at a later date when it is safe for us to do so. As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to The Heart and Stroke Foundation, Canadian Cancer Society, Soldiers Memorial Hospital or the charity of your choice through Simcoe Funeral Home, 38 Simcoe St. E., Orillia (705) 327-0221 Messages of condolence are welcomed at www.simcoefuneralhome