Obituary ~ Anita Goldstein Handler (1927-2024)

Anita Handler, photo taken by her son, Steven

HANDLER, ANITA (GOLDSTEIN) - age 97, passed away on September 11 at home in Northfield, New Jersey. Anita was born in Manhattan, New York, on February 23, 1927. Her family moved to Woodbine, Cape May County, New Jersey, when she was a baby. After graduating from Millville High School, she worked as a bookkeeper and dry cleaner in Woodbine.

In 1951, she went to a dance at the Jewish Community Center in Atlantic City and it was there that she met the love of her life, Harry Handler. They were married on January 27, 1952, at the brand-new Breakers Hotel in Atlantic City.

As was customary in Anita's generation, she became a homemaker. Taking care of her four boys was the joy of her life. She had plenty of help raising the boys: Bubbie Rose and Pop-Pop Morris sold their house in Woodbine and moved into their daughter's house in Ventnor, New Jersey.

After her children were grown, she worked for the State of New Jersey at the Unemployment Office in Atlantic City. She had in abundance what was needed: a love for her fellow human being and extraordinary compassion. Anita knew the complicated system well and told the applicants in simple, step-by-step terms how to navigate the frustrating red tape of government.

Anita was predeceased by her parents Morris and Rose Goldstein, husband Harry Handler (64 years married), brother Stanley Goldstein, and sister-in-law Betty Goldstein.

Surviving are sons Joseph Handler (Jodi), Mark Handler (Linda), Alan Handler (Michelle), Steven Handler (Elizabeth); grandchildren Melanie Handler Caruso (Chris), Kenneth Handler (Sarah), Rachel Handler (Grant), Jesse Handler (Lea), Daniel Handler, David Handler, Matthew Handler (Allie); and two great grandchildren.

Graveside services were held on September 12 at the Woodbine Brotherhood Cemetery, in Woodbine, New Jersey.