NEW PALESTINE
Justine (Mercer) Handley, age 83, of New Palestine, passed away Monday, February 6, 2023 at Springhust Health Campus in Greenfield. Born on August 28, 1939, in Pendleton, she was the daughter of Jewel (McDaniel) and David Mercer. She graduated with the class of 1957 from Pendleton High School. On March 20, 1959, Justine wed Raymond F. Handley in Indianapolis.
For over 36 years, she worked in civil service at the Fort Harrison Finance Center and retired in 1995. During retirement, Justine worked as a secretary for New Palestine United Methodist Church, where she was also a member for many years. As an active church member, Justine enjoyed singing in the choir and being involved with the Methodist women’s group and women in missions. She enjoyed spending time sewing, quilting, gardening, family activities and being the family photographer.
Justine is survived by her loving daughters, Teresa McPherson (Mike) of Virginia Beach, VA, Mary Reiman (Jim) of New Palestine and Cindy Arriaza (Oscar) of Orlando, FL; grandchildren, Amanda, Michael, Christina, Sarah, Joanna, Leah, Deborah, Ren? and Justina; 21 great-grandchildren; 3 great great-grandchildren; and siblings, Janet Springfield (Roy) of Pendleton, Dale Mercer (Shirley) of Pendleton, Leland Mercer (Linda) of Anderson and Judy Tescher of Pendleton. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jewel and David; husband, Raymond; and brothers, Kenneth, Max, David Lee, John and Rex Mercer.
Visitation and funeral service will be held at Erlewein Mortuary &Crematory, 1484 W. US Hwy. 40, Greenfield, IN 46140 on Monday, February 13, 2023. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. The funeral service will begin at 1:00 p.m., with Pastor Jason Taylor officiating. Burial will follow at New Palestine Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to support the Lutheran hospital in Antsisabe, Madagascar by making checks out to Zion Lutheran Church with “Madagascar” in the memo line. Checks may be mailed to Zion Lutheran Church, 6513 W. 300 South, New Palestine, Indiana 46163, or envelopes will be available at the mortuary. Friends may share a memory or condolence at www.erleweinmortuary.com.
