Frieda Handelman

Proud to have lived 101 years, she gave a speech at her 100th birthday party themed “You Can’t Kill Nanny,” relaying her successful recovery from cancer surgeries, and the day she was nearly hit by a stray bullet that entered her kitchen window.

Born Frieda Weitzman to Jacob and Rebecca Weitzman, Mrs. Handelman was the widow of Lester J. Handelman. The couple were married for 70 years. She was the loving mother of Neil (Natalie); Howard (Alice); and Gary (the late Ronni) Handelman. Though she gave birth to three sons, she treated their wives as though they were her own, calling them “my daughters.”

The matriarch of a large family, she looked forward to Sunday night dinners at her childrens’ homes and attending their many special occasions. All of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren feel they have been influenced by her wisdom, guidance, values and sense of family.

Born and raised in St. Louis, Mrs. Handelman graduated from Soldan High School and attended Washington University. Her interests included playing bridge with friends and cooking delicious meals for her family.

She and her late husband were benefactors of Barnes Jewish Hospital’s Handelman Family Parkinson’s Research Endowment Fund and Congregation Temple Israel. She was a Lion of Judah of Jewish Federation of St. Louis, a member of Hadassah and National Council of Jewish Women and a Life member of both the Barnes-Jewish Hospital Auxiliary, and Jewish Center for Aged Auxiliary.

Survivors, in addition to her children, include: Grandchildren: Ellen (Bob) Brin, Mary (Robert) Rosenblum, Karen Handelman (Marc Hirshman), Jane (Eric ) Spirtas, Patty (Jonathan) Bloom, Amy (Burt) Garland, Michael (Karen) Handelman, Sara (Jeffrey) Bernstein, Marjorie Handelman, and David Handelman. Great-grandchildren include Andrew Davis, Alex (Isaac) Wouk, Bobby (Jen) Brin, Molly (Jeff) Hohlfeldt, Adam Rosenblum, Connor Spirtas, Madeline Spirtas, Anna Spirtas, Tyler Bernstein, Zachary Bernstein, Caroline Bernstein, Abby Hirshman, Emily Hirshman, Rebecca Bloom, Matthew Bloom, Sophia Garland, Jason Garland, Grant Garland, Maya Handelman and Lila Handelman. Great-great-grandchildren are Olivia and Cameron Brin. She was the cherished aunt of her nieces and nephews and the loving sister of the late Marvin Weitzman.

The Handelman family is grateful to the loving caregivers Darlene, Earcy, Angel and Sheila, who treated Mrs. Handelman with love, respect and compassion.

A private family service will be held.Memorial contributions preferred to: Handelman Family Parkinson’s Research Endowment Fund at The Foundation for Barnes Jewish Hospital, Suite 140, 1001 Highlands Plaza Dr, St Louis, MO 63110, or Congregation Temple Israel, Frieda and Lester Handelman Art Fund, One Alvan Rubin Drive, St. Louis, MO 63141.