Lina Handal

Linda Handal, age 83, of Totowa, passed away on Sunday, May 5, 2019. Her family was lovingly by her side at the time of her passing.

Daughter of Jeries and Hanna Hasbun, Linda, was born and raised in Bethlehem, Palestine. At the age of 18 she married Domingo Handal of Amman, Jordan, and began their life adventure and journey which landed them in Totowa, New Jersey. The epitome of strength and courage, Linda and Domingo traveled the globe while raising their children; each child born in a different country. Linda helped her husband manage a grocery store, and finally, an ice cream parlor in Jersey City, NJ. Together they became a beloved cornerstone of business and community. She was a founding member of the Bethlehem Association, a not-for-profit organization, and served as Convention Chair and Board member for over three decades.

As her children grew, she devoted her life to not only helping her husband, but also to becoming a true matriarch of her growing family. She was simultaneously, and interchangeably, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Linda lived for her family, and each of her children and grandchildren will continue her legacy by carrying the life lessons she instilled in them. Linda’s graciousness and genuine warmth made everyone feel special in her company. She fostered life-long friendships and always enjoyed talks around the table with good coffee and good cake--big family meals were a staple of life. She opened her home to friends and family from all over the world; so much so that her house became known as “The Handal Hotel.” She enjoyed dancing at family events with her grandchildren, vacationing in Cocoa Beach, and weekend trips to Atlantic City.

Linda is survived by her devoted and loving husband, Domingo Handal, their five children; Vida Handal and her husband Samir, Vera Faris and her husband Nassib, Florence Fersa and her husband Pierre, David Handal and his wife Michelle, and Christine Handal. She was kept active by her thirteen grandchildren, Sanielle Handal-McGlynn, Ramzi Faris, John Handal, Renee Faris-Sciacca, Nicole Fersa, Kristina Handal, Ramie Faris, Alex Fersa, Andre Fersa, Gabriella Handal, Anthony Handal, Andrew Handal, Michael Handal, and two great-grandchildren, Alia and Maggie Handal-McGlynn. She is now reunited with her brothers Tawfiq Hasbun and Issa Hasbun, and sister Mary Elali, in God's Kingdom and will be remembered by her brother Fouad Masrieh, and sisters Margo Khalil-Hasbun, Lily Handal, and Nelly Hasbun. She will be missed greatly, and will forever be carried in the hearts of all who loved her.

To honor Linda’s passion and hard work within the Bethlehem Association, please consider a gift to:

Bethlehem Association

Scholarship Fund

PO Box 1111

Media, PA 19063

Please make check to Bethlehem Association Scholarship Fund

In memo line of check please write “In memory of Linda Handal”