Shirley M. Hand

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.

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