Linda A. Handyside

Linda A. Handyside, age 81, longtime resident of Northville, passed away February 12, 2025. She was born on January 24, 1944 in Detroit, Michigan; daughter of Edgar and Carol (Gunn) Falle. She grew up in Livonia and graduated from Bentley High School in 1962, where she met the love of her life, Thomas A. Handyside. On June 21, 1969, Linda and Tom were united in marriage, sharing 55 years of love and devotion to one another.

Linda dedicated over 30 years as an administrative assistant in the office of Dr. Rasak in Livonia. A loyal and faithful employee, she retired upon the doctor’s retirement. Linda was a proud life member of both the Northville Mother’s Club and the Northville Women’s Club. A dedicated supporter and volunteer, she also contributed her time to the Northville Youth Assistance and the Goodwill Junior Group Ladies Auxiliary, where she served as secretary to the board. 

Linda was an exceptionally accomplished and dedicated athlete in the sport of curling, with more than 40 years of elite-level achievement “on the ice” at the local, national and international level. Among her proudest was serving as the first female president of the Detroit Curling Club. Curling with Tom early in her career they won the Champaign Bonspiel in St, Catherines, Ontario three consecutive years; the Moose Trophy in Toronto and, later, with teammates Paul and Sue Szmeigel and Doug Campbell (after Tom’s hips gave out) Linda represented the Detroit Curling Club during Mixed National Championships in Alaska and Minnesota. Linda was an Olympic hopeful as Skip (Captain) of a lady’s team in tryouts. Truly an international competitor and ambassador for the sport, Linda was chosen, along with 30 other women curlers from around the country to represent the USA in a 30-day tour of Scotland. Later with three of those same teammates, they won the bronze medal in the Ladies Senior World Championships in Bismarck, ND.

Linda was an avid golfer and tennis player who loved staying active. She enjoyed playing in the women’s golf league at Western Golf and Country Club and treasured golf trips with her husband, sister, and brother-in-law. Linda’s love for travel extended beyond golf trips. She enjoyed tailgating with friends at University of Michigan away football games, vacations to Hawaii, and tours through Europe. Each year, she looked forward to the “Falle Girls Fall Tour” with her mother and sister, and she cherished visits to Halifax to spend time with family and see the tall ships. Linda had a keen eye for antiques and a remarkable talent for home décor. Her refined taste and instinct for recognizing quality and beauty were evident in each piece she carefully selected for her home. She enjoyed arts and crafts with friends and spent countless hours stenciling cheese boxes and sweatshirts that she lovingly gifted to those around her.

Linda’s greatest joy was her family, especially raising her sons. As a mother, she was endlessly encouraging and positive, leading by example and setting strong values for her boys. Always supportive and involved, Linda often knew what her sons had been up to before they even got home. She volunteered with the Silver Springs PTA and managed all of their extracurricular activities with dedication. Linda carried that same love and support into her role as a grandmother. Affectionately known as Nana, she taught her grandchildren the importance of joy through her own example and was always actively involved in whatever brought them happiness. Linda’s warmth, generosity, and unwavering love for her family and friends will be deeply missed. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her, and her legacy of kindness, strength, and joy will continue to inspire those she leaves behind. 

Linda is survived by her loving husband, Thomas A. Handyside; her sons, Chris (Kristine Danielson) Handyside and Matt (Leslie) Handyside; her grandchildren, Nolan, Elliot, Callen, and Oscar; her mother, Carol Falle; her sister, Barbara (Paul) Ferguson; her nephew, Michael (Megan) Ferguson; her niece, Lindsay (Sean) Kiebler; and many cousins. She was preceded in death by her father. 

Visitation will be held Tuesday, February 18, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. with a funeral service beginning at 1:00 p.m. at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 West Dunlap, Northville.  

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial contributions to Alzheimer's Association, Michigan Chapter, 25200 Telegraph Road, Suite 100, Southfield, MI 48033.