Betty Handmacher

HANDMACHER, Betty Franco

Betty Franco Handmacher passed away on December 24, 2025, at the age of 90, in Atlanta, Georgia, the city where she was born, raised, and spent her life. She was an artist, a traveler, and a matriarch whose strength and independence will carry on for generations.  Born on January 3, 1935, to Jack and Catherine Franco, Betty was the eldest of three sisters, followed by Stella Franco DeLeon and Jeanie Franco Marx. She graduated from Grady High School in 1953 and later attended Georgia State University for college after having her family. Betty's education continued well into her 70s as she continued taking continuing education classes in French and art, particularly when preparing for one of her many world travels.  At the age of 15, Betty met her true love and partner, Burton Edwin Handmacher. They were married a few years later on June 3, 1953. After 72 years of marriage, Betty passed nearly two months after the death of her beloved husband, who preceded her in death on October 25, 2025. Their partnership was a defining anchor of her life, even as she remained fiercely and unmistakably her own person.  Her paintings—many of which still adorn the walls of her family's homes—were most powerful when they reflected life as it truly was, especially her greatest love: her family.  Betty was known for her directness, fearlessness and strength. She spoke her truth clearly and unapologetically, taking nothing from anyone that diminished her sense of self. To the women in her life, she passed down something rare and lasting: confidence without apology, independence without isolation, intensity, passion, and the courage to speak openly and honestly. Because of her, generations learned that love and selfhood are not opposing forces; they can exist together, fully and boldly.  Her marriage was her touchstone. While her husband meticulously planned their travels, Betty immersed herself in the soul of each place: learning the language, studying the art, and understanding what made each destination unique and beautiful. Together, they explored the world, from Machu Picchu to South Africa, Paris to the Colorado River, meeting each journey with curiosity, depth, and joy.  Even in her later years, Betty remained deeply present and engaged and maintained her fearlessness and no nonsense attitude. She famously took all six of her grandchildren camping and on many other adventures - a reflection of her strength, spirit, and boundless love for family. She was Nanny Betty to her six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, with one more on the way.  Betty was preceded in death by her beloved grandson Benjamin Jarred Chanin, and by her husband, Burt Handmacher. She is survived by her children and their families: Lynn Handmacher Chanin and Butch Fowler, Albert and Akemi Handmacher, and Jack Handmacher; her grandchildren Alex Chanin Nelson (Zach), Marrissa Chanin Faulk (Crandall), Erica Chanin (Andrew), Asuka Handmacher, and Akana Handmacher; her great-grandchildren Reece and Olivia Nelson, Benjamin Faulk, and Gideon and Evelyn Chanin-Clark, and her sisters, Stella Franco DeLeon and Jeanie Franco Marx.  She will be missed more than words can express. However, her spirit will live on through the profound influence she had on her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  We would be honored to have donations made to The Benjamin Jarred Chanin Scholarship Fund at The Galloway School. https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/adaptive-donor-form/?formId=ea0bdf9e-b4a5-4aa7-9b35-32e05066aae4&envid=p-ep4a2ikksES2tG9trmmTwA&zone=usa Graveside services will be held 10:30 am Sunday, December 28 at Arlington Memorial Park.  Dressler's Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.