Thelma Marguerite Hand

Thelma Marguerite Hand, known to her friends as Marguerite, passed away on March 9th, 2017 two months shy of her 89th birthday. Wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, Marguerite brightened this world for all fortunate enough to know her kind, welcoming heart. She gave her smile freely and her love unconditionally. She laughed often. Her hugs were legendary and her cheerful, vibrant spirit, abundant. A California native, Marguerite was born in Bell, CA to Gus and Thelma Harri, with younger brother Albert joining their small family soon after. Her father worked for Segerstrom & Sons as a dairy farmer, her mother an avid gardener who raised parakeets. She grew up in Santa Ana and graduated from Santa Ana High. She met her husband Steve in 1945, celebrating 58 years together before Steve’s passing in 2003. They lived for a brief time in Alameda, CA, Pittsburg, PA and Burbank, CA before settling in Fullerton. Along with their six children, they experienced life with a sense of adventure, compassion, and wonder. Retiring in Carlsbad, CA in 1982, Marguerite enjoyed many years with Steve traveling the country and spending time with her children and grandchildren. In the years after Steve passed away, Marguerite expanded her travels off-continent to Hawaii and Ireland and also welcomed her great-grandchildren into her family. She moved to Belmont Village Cardiff by the Sea in 2010 where she continued to share her smile and friendship with residence and staff alike. She is survived by 4 of her six children, 10 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. With a natural appreciation for life, Marguerite showed her family how to live with grace and gratitude. She will be remembered for her thoughtfulness, generosity of spirit, and enthusiasm for life. There is no way to possibly convey how special and loved Marguerite was. She will be missed deeply, but will truly live on in each of the many hearts she touched.