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BORN
1928
DIED
2016
Helen Handler Obituary
Prominent Phoenix resident, and Holocaust survivor, Helen Handler, passed away on Tuesday, February 16, 2016. Born Ilona Ackerman on September 18, 1928, Helen was just fifteen years old when she and her entire extended family were transported to Auschwitz where all but she were exterminated by the Nazis. Following liberation by Russian soldiers, she made her way through eight countries to settle in Phoenix and become a successful independent businesswoman, owning a drapery store in Metrocenter Mall. For the last thirty years, Helen committed her life to sharing her story, and more importantly, her message of peace and hope to thousands in the greater Phoenix area.Tireless in her devotion to make this world a better place, she inspired all ages with her faith and fierce determination to never let her experience happen to another. From young schoolchildren, to the F.B.I., churches and synagogues alike, anyone lucky enough to know her, or hear her speak, was enlightened and inspired to make the most of our lives and respecting all others as brothers and sisters.Helen is preceded in death by father, Bernhard, mother, Regina, brothers, Nandor and Miklos, grandfather, Wilmos, grandmother, Ethel, aunts, Maria, Berta, Cili, and her beloved, Bichon, "Pup." She is survived by son, Barry, and many, many friends.Helen Handler was a long-standing member and past president of the Phoenix Holocaust Survivors Association, a member of Beth El Congregation, and past president of the Jewish Free Loan. She was a member of Toastmasters International for seventeen years, and a recipient of numerous awards and recognition for her public speaking.We will all miss Helen for her wit, her intellect, and fierce tenacity. Helen would want us to remember: "Evil is self-destructive. Good people forever save the world."Friends recommend donations to Chandler's Holocaust and Tolerance Project, Jewish Free Loan, or the Bureau of Jewish Education.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Helen Handler
Marc Horwitz
February 15, 2025
A Tiny but Powerful and Inspirational and FUN Lady. She made you feel that you mattered. Helen had time for Everyone. Her sly little smile and dazzling eyes lit up anyone in her company. I loved Helen so much. Still Do. RIP Helen and be at Peace.
David Burton
February 21, 2024
It's Bert give me a call 602-737-5785 it's been a long time
Marc Horwitz
February 15, 2023
Helen was 1 of the most GENUINE people I ever had the pleasure to know. One trait of Helen's that I really enjoyed was her Humor. She was truly funny and had that little gleam in her eye. and Smile, what a great Smile. RIP Helen. Much love, respect, admiration. ALWAYS.
Susan Faris
February 26, 2016
To Barry,
Your Mother shared her story of hope and love with the world. Her faith was strong and she truly radiated God's love. But, what I remember most, is the love she had in her eyes for you. She was very proud of her son. You were/are her greatest accomplishment.
Your friend always,
Sue
Stacie Strauss
February 24, 2016
I had the honor to hear you speak in Chandler, AZ several years ago. I bought your book an you were so gracious to sign it for me. I will never forget you an will continue to pass your message on about the Holocaust.
Susan Sandler
February 22, 2016
It was an honor to meet Helen and learn about her personal history and triumph over evil. May her memory be a comfort to all who knew her.
Mara Contreras-Rasmussen
February 21, 2016
In reading her obituary, I realized how much so many people learned from Helen's speeches. I have learned a lot from those who have been through, and written about the horrors of the Holocaust. I just didn't realize that Helen was right here in Phoenix. I attended Central High School and think that I was in a class with her son, Barry. When there is a loss like this, everyone remembers how they were inspired by such a special person.
New Creation Church
February 21, 2016
Thank you Helen for coming into our lives. We were so blessed to know you. We will never forget you! Say hello to our beloved Uri for us. ❤❤
so Beautiful, inside and out
February 21, 2016
Helen is the Bravest Person I ever knew. Kind Thoughtful Funny. RIP Beautiful Helen
Marc Horwitz
February 21, 2016
Marc Horwitz
February 21, 2016
Helen is the Bravest Person I ever had the pleasure of meeting. And so Kind, Thoughtful, Funny and Smart. I will miss sharing our Little Moments as we walked our pups. RIP Beautiful Helen.
Annette Baez
February 21, 2016
Thank you Helen for the gift you gave this world. We learned so much from you. We will miss you. ❤
Perry Schlanger
February 21, 2016
Never intended to be,but became a Special, Special person.
Steven Peist
February 21, 2016
You will always live on in the hearts of those that loved and admired you.
Such Styles
February 21, 2016
We were so blessed to know you Helen... May your memory be eternal.
Kathi Musicant
February 21, 2016
Helen was a true inspiration.
February 21, 2016
I will make sure my children never forget Helen or her story. Her work was important and remains important. Our lives are forever changed because we met and loved The Beautiful Helen Handler.
Valerie Foster
February 21, 2016
Always in my heart. My friend.
Anonymous Student
February 20, 2016
I didn't know Helen Handler but I do know of the many things she had spoken about at schools. My middle school teacher gave us the pleasure of hearing her speak about the Holocaust and what she had gone through as well as open our eyes to many things. She was a great woman who was strong and she will be remembered as such.
Shirl
February 20, 2016
I will miss you, Helen! I'm still reading your book, "The Risk of Sorrow." So sad you lived such a difficult life. You WERE a survivor!!
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