Merri G. Handel (Gilbert)

Merri Handel, aged 63, passed away on Thursday, March 4, 2021 due to complications from an infection.

Merri is survived by two children, Lacey (Travis) Wiggins and Zachary (Tracy) Handel, as well as three grandchildren: Derek, Caleb, and Adrianna. She is also survived by her four sisters and brothers-in-law: Sheri and Tom Topolewski, Tomi and Cliff Hunt, Vicki and Tim Halstead, and Toni and Jim Blaze, as well as many nieces, nephews, and countless friends who will miss her dearly. Merri was preceded in death by her parents, “Duke” and Geraldine Gilbert, as well as her loving husband, Michael Handel, a daughter, Abigail, and son, Gilbert.

Merri was born to “Duke” and “Gerri” Gilbert Aug. 12, 1958, the youngest of five girls, and was raised in Farmington, Michigan. She aspired to be a nurse from a young age and graduated from Madonna University with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1982. She worked as a critical care nurse for more than 40 years; she loved being a nurse and cared for her patients with kindness and compassion.

She married the love her life, Michael Handel, on April 9, 1982. The two brought four wonderful children into the world – two of whom went to be with the Lord at young ages. Despite the loss of two children and the eventual loss of her husband in 2015, Merri never lost her joy for life. She was carried by her love for the Lord, her husband, and her surviving children.

Merri was a long-time, active member of Berean Baptist Church in Livonia, where she loved teaching her class of “little buddies” on Sunday mornings and attending weekly Bible studies. She will be dearly missed by her church family.

Merri’s faith in Jesus as her Savior and in His plan for her life – despite the hardships she faced – sustained her, and is a source of comfort for her family members, who know that she is now complete in the Lord, reunited with her greatest love on earth and her children that went before her.

Visitation for Merri will be held Friday, March 12th from 2:00 - 8:00 PM at Manns Family Funeral Home, 17000 Middlebelt, Livonia 48154.

Merri will be In-State for final visitation on Saturday, March 13th from 9:00 AM until the time of the Funeral Service at 10:00 AM at Berean Baptist Church, 38303 8 Mile Road, Livonia 48152.