Florence Handen

Florence Handen died at age 98 on September 11, 2026, in the loving care of her family and the devoted staff at Kingsway Arms in Schenectady, NY. She was a bright, independent-minded woman, and a loving wife, mother, friend, and teacher.  

Florence was the third of four children born to Julius and Rose Seidman, owners of a grocery store in inner-city Baltimore MD.  She graduated from Western High School in 1945 and spent a number of years as the office administrator for a well-known Baltimore surgeon. She married Leonard Handen, a perfect life-partner, in 1952, and became a full-time homemaker once she became pregnant with her first child. Leonard was a polymer chemist, a graduate of the University of Maryland, and a World War II veteran. Together they had three children - Ben, Ellie and David. They moved to Glens Falls, NY in 1963 where they raised their children and became active members of the Jewish community. 

As a life-long learner, in her late 30s, Florence took courses at the Adirondack Community College.  She was a stellar student, graduating magna cum laude while also being active in the anti-Vietnam war movement.  Florence then earned bachelor and master degrees from Castleton State College’s teaching program.  This started her 20-year career as a highly respected elementary school teacher in the Glens Falls School District.  Not surprisingly, her competence and sociability helped her make many new and lasting friendships from among the staff.  

Family was very important to Florence and Leonard.  They hosted many Jewish holidays at their home, gathering their children and grandchildren together. They valued time with near and far grandchildren, siblings, cousins, nieces, and nephews.   Florence was the family nexus, always in tune with what was happening in the lives of her family and served as the person who kept everyone connected.

In 1991, Florence joined her husband in retirement. They enjoyed spending a few months each winter in Florida and traveling the world with close friends and relatives. This included a 2-month stay in India where Leonard served as a consultant and Florence taught English. They were frequent Elder Hostel participants and over the years seized many opportunities to engage in learning. 

The two established numerous close and life-long friendships and took advantage of all that the Adirondack region had to offer, including being frequent attenders at SPAC NYC Ballet and Philadelphia Symphony concerts, musical events at Skidmore College, and talks at Union College. 

After Leonard’s death from cancer in 2004, Florence continued to live a fiercely independent life, including traveling and maintaining her many close friendships. She subsequentlymoved to The Glen, a senior living facility where many of her friends also resided. Over time, while maintaining a sharp mind, her health gradually declined. In 2021, her physical and medical needs required greater ongoing care, and she moved to Kingsway Arms in Schenectady NY. Here, she would be closer to her youngest son, David, and his family. David was a devoted caregiver and advocate for her.  He helped her stay in touch with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren via twice weekly Zoom calls.  When possible, David would also arrange for her to join nearby family gatherings in person.  This past spring, Florence’s health began to fail. She died as she lived - in her own way, and in her own time.  

Florence was preceded in death by her older brother, Louis Seidman, and sister, Goldie Teitelbaum. She is survived by her brother Sidney (Rebecca), three children, Ben (Dianna), Ellie (Norman), and David (Paula), five grandchildren, two great granddaughters, and many extended family and friends.  

We are grateful for her humor, worry, wisdom, candid advice, and love.  Perhaps most importantly, she left behind a legacy of having taught all of us the importance of family and friends. 

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, September 15, 2026at 10:00 am at Levine Memorial Chapel in Albany NY followed by burial at the Temple Beth El Cemetery in South Glens Falls, NY.  

Donations in her honor or memory can be made to CommunityHospice (https://www.communityhospice.org).  We further offer special thanks to Kingsway Arms who provided her with six years of wonderful care.