Judi Handorf

Judith Ilene Handorf (nee MacDonald)
March 2nd, 1948 – October 3rd, 2025
Judith (Judi) Ilene Handorf passed away on Friday, October 3rd, 2025, at the age of 77.
Judi was born and raised in Newport, KY and was the only child of Albert and Florence MacDonald. She attended Newport City Schools and graduated from Newport High School in 1966. After her father passed unexpectedly in 1969, Judi was raised solely by her mother.
She married Thomas Handorf in December of 1967. She was a homemaker for their three children, Tommy, Todd and Timmy. They divorced in 1978 and Judi began an almost 30-year length career with Liberty Distributing.
In 1990, Judi met Jeff Browning – the true love of her life. They lived in Latonia, KY for several years before moving to Florence, KY. The house they purchased had become their HOME and Judi was the HEART of that home. She took immense pride in her home, always making sure everything was immaculate. She enjoyed working out in the yard, mowing the grass, gardening, and spending time with her wonderful neighbors.
Judi loved her three boys with an everlasting love, but she kicked that love up a notch with her eight grandchildren. She loved her grandchildren dearly and made certain they always knew how much she loved them. Her first grandchild (Brett) was born in 1995 and over the next 17 years she welcomed Valerie, Tristin, Devin, Ryan, Jenna, Lucas and Brielle.
Be it sports, cheerleading, chorus or an academic event, Judi was a "season ticket holder" to all her grandchildren's events and activities. Whether it was watching one of them play for a State Championship in football or just watching a random basketball game, she treated each of these events like it was the most important thing to her. She was always there to cheer them on, not just for victory, but to let them know she loved them and was proud of each of her grandchildren's accomplishments.
Judi was an avid reader who loved reading the latest John Grisham, James Patterson or Dean Koontz novels. She also enjoyed watching television and discussing the shows with her children and grandchildren. Grey's Anatomy, Yellowstone, and Ozark were some favorites, but LOST was her must see TV; even though she said it made her head hurt. She liked trying to figure out "what the heck" was going on and discussing all sorts of theories as to what each episode meant. She also enjoyed watching the Reds, Bengals and UK basketball – often pacing the floor if a game got too close at the end.
A lot of her time was spent at R.C. Durr YMCA in Burlington, KY where she enjoyed exercising and water fitness. She made friends with several amazing people in water fitness class. She looked forward to those classes, lunches and especially snacking down the donut trail.
Family was the most important thing in Judi's life. She looked forward to holidays, birthdays, and special occasions when all of her family would be together. She loved entertaining her family and just having them in her life. If she had a mantra, it would be "Live. Love. Laugh." She was kind, caring, loving, encouraging and extremely special. She never failed to tell her family she loved them and would always end a text with "love you more," followed by a bunch of heart and smile emojis. She was the heartbeat of the family and the impact she had on all our lives will be felt forever.
Judi is survived by her spouse Jeff Browning; her children Tommy (Christina) Handorf, Todd (Sherry Clark) Handorf and Tim (Tanhya) Handorf; her daughter-in-law Kelli Handorf; her grandchildren Brett Handorf, Valerie Handorf, Tristin Handorf, Devin Handorf, Ryan Handorf, Jenna Handorf, Lucas Handorf, and Brielle Handorf; her "sister" Bonnie Browning and their family, Dicky (Bonnie) Browning, Bub (Deb) Browning, Kevin (Vickie) Browning, Pete (Angie) Browning, Debora Browning, Mary Ann Browning, Donna Jean Browning, and Penny Lynn Browning.
Friends and family will gather to share memories, find solace in one another's company, and honor Judi at a visitation on Thursday, October 9, 2025, from 11:00 AM until shortly before 1:00 PM at Chambers and Grubbs Funeral Home, 8461 Dixie Hwy, Florence, KY, 41042. At 1:00 PM, there will be a memorial service. Directly following the memorial service, Judi will be laid to rest in a private family ceremony at Evergreen Cemetery, Southgate, KY.
Memorial donations can be made online in Judi's name to either Wounded Warrior Project or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.