Obituary of MARY ELIZABETH HANDY

Mary Elizabeth Handy, peacefully passed away March 29, 2021. She is preceded in death by her parents, Stephen and Anna Palmer, her sister, Martha Maliske, her son Michael Watson, nephew Stephen Lagotte, and grandson Joseph A. Watson. She is survived by her devoted and loving husband, Paul Handy Sr., son Paul Michael (Sharon) Handy Jr, son John R. Watson and friend Natalie Misalko, daughter Karen (Andrew) Terrell, her brother Louis “Bud” Palmer. Also, many grandchildren, nieces and nephews, plus great grandchildren and dear friends and neighbors, Mrs. Shirley Kelly and her family were always there to help in any way. She was a hard worker all her life. She stood out as very dependable and efficient in every job she worked. She was retired from Escambia County Corrections Department. She possessed a lovely singing voice and would sing with her children while traveling or cleaning house. She was very fond of all animals. Animals would instinctively come to her. And if any stray animals entered her yard, they came to the right house. They would be taken care of as if a member of her family. She enjoyed playing cards all her life, and if alone, solitaire was a favorite. We have to mention that her cooking was outstanding. When the food was placed on the table—she never had to call the family twice. Forget leftovers, it would all be gone. Each year on her birthday, her children would come to celebrate with her. One year, her children put her in a helicopter to fly over the beautiful shoreline in the gulf. She and her husband Paul enjoyed the flight. The family would always find ways to surprise her on her special day. One birthday she went cruising in antique cars provided by Tom and Donna Notaro. She brought great joy to the family and will be missed very much. A Catholic Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Anne Catholic Church, 5200 Saufley Field Road, Pensacola, FL 32526. The family is asking if you wish to send flowers, instead of flowers please make a donation to St. Anne's Church at the above address and designate for Bell Tower repairs. There will also be a place at the funeral if that is easier to make donations to the same thing. Thank you and God Bless. Interment will be at Pensacola Memorial Gardens, 7433 Pine Forest Road, Pensacola, Florida 32526.