Ilse Maria Handley

Ilse Handley, beloved by family and friends, passed away Friday, December 12, 2008. She was born in Pokau, Czechoslovakia on May 7, 1921 within 15 minutes of her twin sister Else Nemere nee Ickert. Ilse's first career was as a projectionist in the family owned and operated movie theater which was usurped by the Czech government at the end of World War II. After working on a US Army base for several years, the twins and their mother, Emmy Ickert, immigrated to Los Angeles, California. Ilse married Dick Egbert, originally of Salt Lake City, and bore a daughter, Ingrid, who predeceased her in 1988. Ilse's second career was as an office worker with California Consumers Corporation until 1966 when she married H.L. Dick Handley. In 1975 Ilse and Dick moved to Whidbey Island, WA where they spent many happy years together in retirement. Ilse gave tirelessly of her time to numerous causes including tutoring students in algebra and calculus at the local community college and volunteering at WAIF, a thrift store dedicated to supporting and adopting out homeless cats. Ilse was a true steward of the environment and had a love for animals of all types. She was also a talented painter and a gifted musician. In November 2007, Ilse moved to Logan, UT to be close to her niece and nephew, Ilka Nemere and Barry Biehl. Ilse was both physically and spiritually beautiful, a vibrant person with a wonderful sense of humor. She charmed everyone who ever met her and would light up any room with her presence. Those of us she leaves behind are grateful to have known her and have her be a part of our lives. This petite and dainty lady leaves a huge void in our lives, and we will miss her immensely. She is survived by her niece, Ilka Nemere, and her two step-sons, Jeff Handley and Lock Handley. Condolences may be extended to the family online at www.nelsonfuneralhome.com .