Obituary for Sandra Parlin (Handler)
I died today, July 7, 2022, with my loving daughters at my side.
To those who loved me don’t be sad, as I am once again with my Melvin after all these months
apart. I met Melvin at Granville Avenue School and chased him through Tighe School (“Margate
by the Sea”) right into Atlantic City High School (Class of 1956). I then followed him to The Ohio
State University. My late parents, Arthur and Josephine Handler, decided I would follow in the
footsteps of my late sister, Nancy and obtain my BSN at The Albert Einstein School of
Medicine. I never formally practiced nursing, but instead used my degree to stay in the delivery
room while my dear friend Maria pushed out all four of her children (I told her to stop at three).
Melvin and I married in 1960 and settled in Margate City. Michel (Scot) made me a Mommie
first, then Sally Jo (Christopher) made me one again (by mistake, but the best mistake I ever
made). I was a proud and loving aunt to my four nephews who predeceased me. I volunteered
and served on many fundraising committees for local charitable funds . I found joy in this. I was
the neighborhood allergy shot specialist and the best room-mom ever. I could throw one hell of
a party — just ask the guests who attended our yearly Thanksgiving in March! I shared my
passion for needlework; needlepoint, knitting, crochet…and gifted many of these heirlooms to
people I loved. I even owned a needlepoint store in Gordon’s Alley. I was talented, creative
and true to myself. I spent my days doing what I loved to do. I enjoyed traveling. Melvin and I
visited Europe many times throughout our marriage. We traveled alone and with friends, but
always found our way back to Paris. Paris felt like a second home, so much so that I told my
grandchildren that I was born in the Eiffel Tower. To my knowledge, they still believe me. After
Melvin retired, we moved to Boca Raton, FL, where I beat the pants off of anyone who played
mahjong and canasta with me. Boca was my happy place.
I would like to thank my angels, Leslie, Trisha and Milissa, who cared for me as if I was their
own, as well as Atlantic Care Hospice who was part of the team. You all treated me like royalty.
As you should. I am the Queen, after all.
To my grandchildren; Henry Sacks, Max Carter & Katie Carter, I leave behind a legacy of love,
creativity, and wit. I will forever be your Grammie. Our memories are special, just like each one
of you. Remember to enjoy a good rot day and eat ice cream before dinner. When you miss
me, look for me in the spring when the cherry trees blossom on the Parkway. When in Paris,
look up at the Eiffel tower and create beautiful memories just like I did. I will be with you.
Services were private at my request. My family asks that contributions be made in my memory
to:
Shirley Mae Breast Cancer Assistance Fund
PO Box 3265, Margate City, NJ 08402
To those who loved me don’t be sad, as I am once again with my Melvin after all these months
apart. I met Melvin at Granville Avenue School and chased him through Tighe School (“Margate
by the Sea”) right into Atlantic City High School (Class of 1956). I then followed him to The Ohio
State University. My late parents, Arthur and Josephine Handler, decided I would follow in the
footsteps of my late sister, Nancy and obtain my BSN at The Albert Einstein School of
Medicine. I never formally practiced nursing, but instead used my degree to stay in the delivery
room while my dear friend Maria pushed out all four of her children (I told her to stop at three).
Melvin and I married in 1960 and settled in Margate City. Michel (Scot) made me a Mommie
first, then Sally Jo (Christopher) made me one again (by mistake, but the best mistake I ever
made). I was a proud and loving aunt to my four nephews who predeceased me. I volunteered
and served on many fundraising committees for local charitable funds . I found joy in this. I was
the neighborhood allergy shot specialist and the best room-mom ever. I could throw one hell of
a party — just ask the guests who attended our yearly Thanksgiving in March! I shared my
passion for needlework; needlepoint, knitting, crochet…and gifted many of these heirlooms to
people I loved. I even owned a needlepoint store in Gordon’s Alley. I was talented, creative
and true to myself. I spent my days doing what I loved to do. I enjoyed traveling. Melvin and I
visited Europe many times throughout our marriage. We traveled alone and with friends, but
always found our way back to Paris. Paris felt like a second home, so much so that I told my
grandchildren that I was born in the Eiffel Tower. To my knowledge, they still believe me. After
Melvin retired, we moved to Boca Raton, FL, where I beat the pants off of anyone who played
mahjong and canasta with me. Boca was my happy place.
I would like to thank my angels, Leslie, Trisha and Milissa, who cared for me as if I was their
own, as well as Atlantic Care Hospice who was part of the team. You all treated me like royalty.
As you should. I am the Queen, after all.
To my grandchildren; Henry Sacks, Max Carter & Katie Carter, I leave behind a legacy of love,
creativity, and wit. I will forever be your Grammie. Our memories are special, just like each one
of you. Remember to enjoy a good rot day and eat ice cream before dinner. When you miss
me, look for me in the spring when the cherry trees blossom on the Parkway. When in Paris,
look up at the Eiffel tower and create beautiful memories just like I did. I will be with you.
Services were private at my request. My family asks that contributions be made in my memory
to:
Shirley Mae Breast Cancer Assistance Fund
PO Box 3265, Margate City, NJ 08402