Bonita L. Handerhan, age 65, died in her Lansdale, PA home on Monday, January 6, 2020. Bonnie was born on February 5, 1954, to Joseph and Stella Kraynak. She was the fourth of eight children in a closely-knit family. She is survived by her husband of 44 years John Handerhan, their three sons John, Kevin (Nanci), and Matthew, three daughters Colleen Ryan (Dan), Mary Williamson (Tom), and Amy Podlogar (Mic), and 12 grandchildren: Luke, Danny, May, Marty, Sam, Bonnie, Louis, Kyle, Stella, George, Julia, and Archie. She is also survived by her four brothers: Joe, Paul, John, and Peter, and her three sisters: Carol Albrecht, Liz Kotulka, and Rose Folkes, as well as an extended network of nieces and nephews.
Bonnie dedicated her life to helping others. She was a graduate of Gwynedd Mercy College and Villanova University and dedicated 44 years of service to a career in nursing—first at North Penn Hospital as the ICU Nurse Manager, then at Cardiology Consultants of Philadelphia as a Nurse Practitioner, and finally Abington Memorial Hospital where she worked in the Cardiac Catheterization Lab.
Bonnie’s children knew her as a mother that would do anything for them. As a grandparent, her love was extended. Beedon, as she was called, was constantly sending ‘Pop’ out on missions to deliver something for the grandkids. Otherwise she was picking them up herself for playdates at her house, or taking them on adventures to buy gifts at Kohl’s or Hoy’s Toys.
Her best friends were her family and she considered her friends as such. She brought happiness to many and was always someone that could be relied upon to lift up your spirit. Bonnie would welcome anyone into her home, and volunteered her time and service to anyone in need. She was a proud author of medical articles and wrote two children’s books. She liked to show off her ability to walk on her hands to anyone who didn’t believe she could, and loved hosting events at her home, such as the Kraynak Christmas Eve Party. She was always on the move, the only time she sat down was to crochet blankets for her children or grandchildren. She was the life of any party and always down for a good time. She loved life and truly set such a great example of joy and selflessness.
Bonnie’s attitude in life centered on kindness and perseverance. Never one to complain or give up, she lived life to the fullest. After her terminal diagnosis eight and a half years ago, she continued to work full-time while receiving her treatments and medical testing during her lunch break. Bonnie will be missed terribly, but her legacy will live on through all those who she touched.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Funeral Mass on Saturday, January 18, 2020, at 10:00 AM at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 900 Sumneytown Pike, Lansdale, PA 19446, where the family will receive friends from 8:30 AM to 9:45 AM in the Church Narthex prior to Mass.
Donations can be made to the American Cancer Society.
To the Family of Bonnie,
I just heard of her passing. I worked with Bonnie at AMH a few years ago. I am so sorry for your loss and my thoughts and prayers are with you and yours
Diana Ryan
I just now heard. Stephanie and I are truly sorry for the loss to the Kraynak family and the North Penn region.
Sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Always a smile and a friendly conversation.
Bonnie, I knew you as Carol’s cute little sister back in the day. But you did attend to my mom at NP hospital about 17 yrs ago, and you were wonderful, kind and competent. I remember your wonderful family. They will miss you but you will always live in their hearts.
Concetta Mastroni Weigner
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love, Cousin Carol Beatty Beswick and Family.
Bonnie was a wonderful nurse, co-worker, mentor and friend. I loved everything about her. Forever in my heart.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours!
Joseph and Kayhleen Billie
Bonnie had an amazing grace about her. She illuminated a room with her smile and kindness. When you met her, You wanted to be like her. There are few people who you meet in life that you feel this way about. Her essence will last a lifetime . Thank you for being You Bonnie. May your new journey bring you the peace you brought to others❤
You were a shining example of kindness who I tried to emulate, especially when it came to patience and grace. Thank you for your time here, Bonnie! Your love and legacy will live on in the hearts of many. Keep smiling!💕
Sorry to hear about Bonnie I enjoyed working with you at North Penn. You were great and kind. Thinking of your family in this time of sadness.
I feel grateful that I had the priviledge to know her and even to have attended one of her unbelievable Xmas parties. My thoughts are with her husband John and their beautiful family, especially my dear friend Betsy, her sister. They all will miss her so much. May the memories of her amazing personality put some balm on their sorrow. She rests in peace.
Bonnie was an amazing woman. I was always in awe of her grace, strength and love and kindness she showed to her family and friends. And her amazing smile! I am sure she is looking down on us all with that smile.
Bonnie- your positive attitude was an inspiration to all of us! A ray of sunshine on our crazy busy Fridays and a warm smile on our slow days when we got a minute to sit and talk together. You were always the one checking in on me when life threw its curve balls with kind words and good advice. I was so blessed to have you as a coworker but even more so as a friend!
Xo, Lauren Herman
Bonnie was an amazing example of poise and grace. I admired her work as a NP. I learned a lot from her during the years I worked at NPH (and subsequent names). Thank you, Bonnie, for taking time to teach me and to answer my questions. You were outstanding!!! You will be greatly missed. My heart breaks for your family. We will praying for you all. Until heaven…💜
Bon-Bon, you have left a hole in the hearts of many, but at the same time you filled our hearts with such love and friendship.
I will always be grateful to Bonnie for tending to my father as he was stricken and died at SMG church during Sunday mass. I know everything that could have been done was done. You are free, Bonnie
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Bonnie will always hold a special place in my heart. Patient and kind to anyone who worked with her.
Bonnie,
You will be missed by all that you touched with your kindness and generosity. Cindy and I loved when we would see your smile!!!! You are a blessing to have you in our lives!!!!
Cindy and Jay Mergaman