Fell Handler, Marie (Shilling)

Marie Shilling Fell Handler passed away on Saturday, June 20th, 2020 at age 95. She is predeceased by her loving husband of 32 years, Robert Fell, and her husband, Kenneth Handler. She is survived by son Stephen (Deborah) Fell and Suzanne (Paul Rickard) Fell, grandchildren, Sean Fell, Sheila Fell Loftus Steeves, Evan Rickard and Glenn Rickard as well as 3 great-grandchildren.

Born and raised in Fairport to Hollis and Florence Shilling, Marie became next in a long line of generations having settled in Perinton and often recounted the Woolston family reunions she had attended. She was active in various FHS class of ‘42 events and subsequent reunions.

Her family was hit hard by the Great Depression and the introduction and popularity of “the talkies” as her father owned a silent picture theater in Fairport. Her earliest employment was assembling radio components for use by our military during WWII. She studied for 2 years at Brockport State Teachers College, but thoughts of love and marriage, encouraged by persistent wooing of her sweetheart, had her walking down the aisle on April 1st, 1944. A common joke was that the ceremony was not legitimate and nothing but an April Fool’s prank.

Marie was an active member in the Fairport Methodist and later the First Baptist Church of Fairport, serving as deaconess, organizing and volunteering in various activities. She was active in the Fairport Chapter #444 of the Order of the Eastern Star, and proudly served as Matron. She was pleased to have the distinction of being a life member. She tended to her mother, as a dutiful daughter, as her mother did not drive and required help in life activities. She tended to her mother-in-law for 2 years in the family home until severe health issues could not be effectively managed. She lovingly cared for her husband during his brave year-long struggle with cancer which led to his untimely demise. She and her husband, Robert, and later her husband Ken, enjoyed years of social activities with family and close friends and Marie always remarked that she enjoyed her parties the most.

Late in life, with the passage of time, her circle of friends became smaller yet she still enjoyed playing tile rummy, attending organ concerts and watching any parade Fairport had to offer.

To her children, she passed along her many loves which included camping, boating, travel, music, festivals, and any number of foods. Recommended therapy: maintain a weekly-scheduled hair appointment, (“Don’t muss me!”), imbibe regularly in a chocolate milkshake, (which she absolutely never shared), and consorting with cats on a daily basis. Most recently, she turned to binge watching “The Crown” on Netflix with her daughter Suzanne, and staying up way past her long-established bedtime. Marie made her home, for her last three months, with Suzanne and 2 ginger therapy cats “Lucy” and “Mister Pickles,” who disturbed her sleep and provided constant distraction and companionship.

Marie had a tremendous positive impact on all those with whom she came into contact, and she will be missed by one and all. Those wishing to donate in her memory can do so to the following organizations:

Humane Society of Greater Rochester
Perinton Volunteer Ambulance Corps

A Graveside Service will be held Friday, July 3rd, at 10 AM at Pittsford Cemetery, 38 Washington Rd., Entrance #4. A gathering to continue the celebration of Marie’s life will follow at 138 Worthington Road, Rochester 14622.