Obituary of Joann M. Handley

Joann M. Handley went home to Jesus, her Lord and Savior on Saturday, August 23, 2014. She was born in Wilkensburg, PA on May 18, 1933, the daughter of Melvin and Elizabeth Carney Johnson. On Sep. 19, 1953 at St. Mary's Church, she married Thomas C. Handley. She was a graduate of St. Mary's Academy in 1948 and of Olean High School, Class of 1951. She was employed by F.J. Mahar Service Stores from 1972 to 1984. She was employed at St. Francis/Olean General Hospital as a switchboard operator from 1985 until 1992, and was still employed there until her illness. She was also employed by Cattaraugus County Department of the Aging as a Site Manager for 10 years, retiring in Feb. 2001. She was a member of Mt. Zion Christian Assembly and the Red Hatters. She is survived by six children, Mrs. Susan M. (Mike) Peters of Albion, MI, Thomas M. Handley of Olean, Tim C. (Johanna) Handley of Modesto, CA, Terry R. Handley of Olean, Mrs. Ann M. (Mark) Firkel of Olean, and Katie M. (Rick) Barber of Olean; thirteen grandchildren, Brad Murphy, Kristen Cornetta, Joel, Libby, Molly, & Hope Peters, Sara & Jared Capra, Mark John Firkel, Rebekah Olejnik, Tom, Regis, & Paige Handley; and six great grandchildren, Holden Riddle, Ethan Murphy, Anna Murphy, Emmalyne Olejnik, Adeline & Caroline Meyer. She was predeceased by her mother, Betty Johnson in 1976; her husband of 43 years, Thomas C. Handley on May 20, 1996; two sons, Mark J. Handley in 1979, and Michael J. Handley in 1965; one daughter, Patricia Handley Capra on Feb. 16, 2001; and her brother, Ted Johnson in 2007. Friends will be received, at the Mt. Zion Christian Assembly Church, 361 Front Street, Olean, tonight from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM and again on Wednesday, August 27, 2014 from 12:00 to 2:00 PM at which time a Funeral Service will be held. The Rev. Stephen A. Patrick, Pastor of the Mt. Zion Christian Assembly will officiate. Burial will be at St. Bonaventure Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to the Mt. Zion Christian Assembly #361 Front Street, Olean, New York 14760. Arrangements are under the direction of the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, #646 E. State Street Olean, New York 14760. Online condolences may be made by clicking the button above.