Shirley M. Hand
February 13, 2014
Shirley M. Hand, 92, passed away Thursday, February 13, 2014 at Mercy Medical Center, West Lakes. Visitation will be held on Monday, March 3, 2014 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. with a prayer service at 10:15 a.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines. Burial of her cremated remains will follow at Iowa Veterans Cemetery near Adel, Iowa at 11:00 a.m.
Shirley was born Shirley Atkins in Wellman, IA in 1921. She was a graduate of Broadlawns School on Nursing, where she served as Emergency Room Supervisor. She enlisted in the Navy on February 22, 1943 and served as Lieutenant in the Navy Nurse Corp in the Solomon Islands. She earned an Asiatic-Pacific ribbon, American Theatre Ribbon and Victory Ribbon. She married Thomas J. Hand on February 25, 1946, in Emmetsburg, IA. She and Tom followed his teaching/coaching career and lived in the following Iowa communities: Osceola, Clarion and Des Moines, IA. Shirley was a nurse at General and Mercy hospitals.
Shirley enjoyed time with her family, being a Boy Scout leader and a member of the St. John’s Basilica Altar and Rosary League. She enjoyed camping trips with her family, supporting her husband and son’s wrestling and football sports teams, playing bridge, and reading. She put family above all else.
Shirley resided at Illahee Hills in Urbandale, IA. She met many great people and made many friends with management and residents.
Shirley is survived by her children, Barbara (Joe) Mullahey, Thomas Hand, Michael Hand, and John Hand (Belle); grandchildren, Katey (Aaron) Olson, Joe Hand, Porter Hand, Jordan Hand, Joe (Josephine) Mullahey Jr., Matt Mullahey; and great-grandchild, Aliya Olson.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family to be donated in Shirley’s name to; Holy Family School, ARL, or Mercy Hospice. Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Connie & Mike Cleereman
02/17/2014
Barb, Mike, John & Tom, we were so surprised to read of your Mom's death. She was such a strong lady all the many years we knew her. Always a happy and friendly person, we'll remember her with happy memories.
Jeanne Coppola
02/17/2014
Barb and family, so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. Although I had not seen her for several years, I thought of her often. She was such s special person! Always welcoming your friends into her home. Thinking of you during this difficult time!
Coleen and John Brgg
02/16/2014
Dear Hand Family,
Sorry to hear about you mom's passing. It's so hard losing a loved no matter how old. Will pray for you all. God bless.
Michele (Van Horn) Bjorkgren
02/16/2014
Barb, I was sad to see your mom's notice in the paper this weekend. I had the privilege of spending some great moments with your mom - and you of course. You and your folks were favorites...I miss seeing you around. Blessings to you and your family. She was awesome! So are you! Michele
Jerry Gay
02/16/2014
From: Jerry Gay and Family
Please accept our condolences on the loss of your mother. Your mother and your father had huge positive effect on the lives of many individuals.
Kirk Gay
02/16/2014
So sorry to hear about Shirley's passing. I got to know Shirley when Tom was my wrestling coach at East. She was always so supportive of the things Tom did. Even putting up with Tom stopping and talking to people for hours. Tom was an important person in my life during my high school days and well beyond. I know Shirley is in a better place and Tom has not stopped talking to her since she got there.
Carla Dennis
02/16/2014
Mike &Jordan the Hand family,
I would like to extend my condolences, for the loss of your mom Shirley & Grandma; I sure can look back over the years seeing that twinkle in her eye, her humor, sometimes not too subtle. The wonderful, funny charming women all about family is now with your father, Mr. Hand, happy & happily looking down at each of you; taking care of each of you with her partner.
Loretta Callaghan Greiner
02/16/2014
Please know that your families are in our thoughts and prayers. Keith and Loretta Greiner (Mercy Archives)
Mary and Dave O'Connor
02/16/2014
We're sorry to hear about your moms passing, but also glad that you were able to enjoy her company for so many years. Our thought are with you.
ted mikesell
02/16/2014
mike,so sorry for your loss,my thoughts and prayers are with you
Colette Barnett
02/15/2014
A fine lady. She will be missed by many.
PamLee
02/15/2014
Please accept my most heartfelt sympathies for your lossmy thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Bill & Sandy Horning
02/15/2014
To the family of Shirley Hand, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. She will be missed by so many. She was a very delightful woman. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. God will see you through!
Tom Biegger
02/15/2014
I want to express my sympathy to you for the loss of your mom. She was a wonderful lady.