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.