Barbara L. Handy

Barbara L. Handy of Putney, VT died at home on May 1, 2015 with Parkinson's disease. Born Sept 17, 1924 in Springfield, Mass., she was the daughter of Scottish immigrants David M. and Anita D. Lindsay.

She grew up in Chicopee Falls, Mass. and graduated from Springfield Hospital Nurses Training School (now Bay State Medical Center) in 1946 as a registered nurse. In 1947, she married H.L. Handy at Old First Church in Springfield, Mass. After both working for RCA Victor in Lancaster, Pa., they moved to Dorset, Vt. in 1949 where they began 'The Vermonter' candy business. In 1952, the family and business relocated to Putney. The couple divorced in the early 70s. Barbara resumed her nursing career in 1968 at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital where she worked in the operating room until retirement in 1986. Her grandfather, William Lindsay of Scotland, was imported by Rudyard Kipling to do the indoor fine carpentry at Naulakha in Dummers-ton. Proud of her Scottish heritage, Barbara enjoyed knitting for RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program), loved swing and traditional jazz, and was a lifelong collector of homophones.

Survivors include: a son, David P. Handy and his wife, Maria of Hubbardton, Vt.; a daughter, Carolyn Handy of Putney; four grandchildren, Hannibal L. Handy of San Diego, Cal., Allyson and Kimberly Handy, both of Oneida, NY, Jordan Handy of Coconut Creek, Fla.; two nephews and two great-grandsons. She was predeceased by a sister, Betsy Stein of Jamestown, Pa. Barbara donated her brain for the advancement of Parkinson's research. Contributions may be made to Doctors Without Borders ,or any organization involved with Parkinson's. A memorial service will be held later this year.