Joy Marie Handelman

Joy Marie Handelman, 94, of Wilmette, Illinois, passed peacefully on October 22, 2024, surrounded by her family and full of love. Joy met the love of her life, Donald C. Handelman, in Chicago and they were married on February 18, 1951. They had six children - David, Debbie, Jeff, Dawn, Donna, and Jason. Don and Joy raised their family in Winnetka, Illinois. Joy was devoted to family, friends, and community. After Don passed away in 1985, Joy obtained her real estate license. Joy also excelled as an interior designer, establishing her business under the trade name Interiors by Joy. Joy's greatest pleasure in life was spending time with family. Joy loved playing cards with her grandchildren and spent many days with her family at the beach. Joy enjoyed cooking, and her recipes will live on for generations to come. Not one to hold back on sharing her opinions, Joy was texting her children and grandchildren up to the very end. She was the best mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother anyone could have. We will always remember the love she shared and the lessons she taught us. Joy is survived by her children David, Jeff (Kathy), Dawn, Donna (Roger) Hollis, and Jason (Betsy). Joy was also blessed with eight grandchildren: Cal, Meg (Michael) Kruse, Molly, Joe, Brendan, Julia Joy, Luke, Ian, and one great-grandchild, Lily Kruse, all of whom she loved dearly. Joy is preceded in death by her husband, Don; her parents George and Marie Olson; her brothers George Olson (Audrey) and Robert Olson (Diana); and her daughter Debbie. A funeral Mass will be held at Saints Faith, Hope & Charity Church, 191 Linden Street, Winnetka, IL 60093 on Friday, November 1, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. A private interment will take place following the Mass at Memorial Park Cemetery.