Marilyn Jean Handford

Marilyn Jean “Mardi” Handford (Née Lyons) passed away on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at Bluebird Retirement Community in London, Ohio, at the age of 91. She was born September 7, 1933, in Smithfield, PA. Marilyn, known to her loved ones as “Mardi”, was a devoted grandmother, survived by grandsons William Edward Handford (Michelle) and Matthew Lawrence Handford (Lacey), great-grandchildren Katie and Noah Handford, daughter-in-law Sara (Jeff) Miller, sister-in-law Nancy Handford McChesney, and life-long family friend Doris Picken.

Mardi was preceded in death by her parents, Helen Glover Lyons and John Wilson Lyons, husband Charles “Chuck” Handford, son Charles Edward Handford, daughter Terri McFarland, and brother Dr. Robert Oliver Cromwell Lyons.

Mardi loved playing bridge and spending time on her boat, the “Fine Wine” at Gem Beach on Lake Erie. She cherished the friendships and memories made there, as well as the camaraderie of her Darbycrest Neighbors. She was a lifelong Steelers fan. Mardi was also known for her culinary skills and warm hospitality, always welcoming friends and family with open arms.

Mardi, along with her husband Chuck, founded the family business Wayac, Inc. in 1958. Together with their children, they built a successful scale and calibration business in Hilliard, Ohio, which is still in business today.

To honor Mardi’s life, the family will receive friends on SUNDAY, August 10, 2025, from 12:00pm-12:30pm. Starting at 12:30pm the floor will be opened to share stories of Mardi, at RADER-McDONALD-TIDD FUNERAL HOME, 1355 West Jefferson, Ohio. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in her memory. Please visit www.radermcdonaldtiddfuneralhome.com to send condolences.

A special thanks to the Bluebird staff for lovingly caring for her. All of the staff were kind to Mardi and her family.