Jean M. Handler

Jean Marie Handler, 89, of Burr Ridge, Illinois, passed away peacefully on July 21, 2024, with her family in her heart and by her side. Jean was born in south suburban Illinois on August 31, 1934, to Otto and Mary Neitzel. She grew up in a close-knit family, surrounded by her younger sisters, Marion and Barbara, and a large extended family where celebrations and reunions occurred several times every year. She was a proud graduate of Bloom High School class of 1952, where she was active in extracurriculars and cultivated lifelong friendships. After high school, Jean attended Augustana Hospital School of Nursing on the north side of Chicago. While at Augustana, Jean caught the eye of veteran Elmer Handler of Lakeview. After a short courtship with many dancing dates, the two were married on July 9, 1955. Jean graduated from Augustana Hospital School of Nursing in 1956 and launched her career as a Registered Nurse.

Jean and Elmer began their married life in the Lakeview neighborhood, Cubs country, before relocating to South Holland to accommodate their growing family. In South Holland, the Handlers cherished being part of the St. Jude the Apostle Church and school community.

Being a mother and raising her four children was her joy and priority, so Jean took a break to do so before returning to nursing at Sherwin Williams. She finished her illustrious career in various leadership roles over two decades at Oak Forest Hospital where she was well respected and known for her compassion, high standards, and dedication to quality patient care. Jean and Elmer spent their retirement years living in Palos Heights, and, most recently, moved to Burr Ridge Senior Living. They were blessed with a happy marriage of 66 years. Jean was a devoted wife and loving mother to her children who remember her as incredibly generous, hardworking, determined, supportive, intelligent, beautiful, and selfless. She enjoyed traveling the world, playing cards with friends, shopping, and spending time with her family. A talented home cook and baker, she was especially known for her delicious cutout Christmas cookies, kolaches, and apple slices.

Jean joins her husband Elmer in heaven and is survived by her children: Thomas Handler (Kimberly) of Winnetka, IL, Mary Amadio of Westfield, IN, Pat Spratte (Timothy) of Rochester, MN, and Anne Jurgeto (Anthony) of Lemont, IL. Jean’s nine grandchildren are Ross Handler (Annabel), Nicholas Amadio (Cassandre), Lauren Lemieux (Dan), Katherine Joyce (Richard), Elizabeth Schumacher (Sam), Peter Spratte (Caree), J. Kenton Handler, Samantha Jurgeto, and Alysse Jurgeto. She is also survived by ten great-grandchildren. Jean was so loved and will be greatly missed by her family and all who knew her.

Visitation Monday, July 29th from 3:00pm until 8:00pm.

Chapel prayers Tuesday, July 30th, 11:00am at the KERRY FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CARE CENTER, 7020 West 127th Street, Palos Heights. Proceeding to Saint Alexander Church, 7025 West 126th Street, Palos Heights, Mass 11:30am. Final blessings will be held at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery Interment Chapel followed by a private family entombment.

Remembrances may be made in the form of contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association or the American Heart Association.