Catherine Dolores Handren, of Barnegat, NJ, former longtime resident of Readington Township, NJ, died peacefully at home on Saturday, November 18, 2023, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Jersey City, NJ, Dolores (as she was known by her family and friends) was the daughter of the late Frank and Ann Maass Bonno. She grew up in Jersey City and Bayonne before settling in Readington Township where she lived and raised her family from 1994 to 2007. In 2007, she and her husband, Gary, retired to Barnegat, NJ, where they embraced the tranquil beauty of living the “shore life.”

Dolores dedicated many years of her professional life serving as a Vice President with Commercial Trust Bank in Jersey City. She was admired for her passion, exceptional work ethic, and commitment to serving her clients and colleagues with utmost integrity.

Outside of her accomplished career, Dolores’s heart was filled with an immense love for her family and friends. As a devoted wife to Gary and a cherished mother to Marisa, Dolores’s love knew no bounds. She was thrilled when Marisa married Ryan, and to say she was overjoyed when they made her a Nana to her precious grandson, Wesley, is truly an understatement. Together, she and Gary created countless treasured memories with him, and Wesley will forever be her pride and joy.

Dolores possessed a nurturing spirit, not only for her family and friends, but also for animals and children. She had a profound love for all creatures and actively
supported many animal rescues and charities.

In her free time, Dolores found solace spending time with Gary on the shore in Barnegat Bay. She also enjoyed Atlantic City and the excitement of the casinos. She loved taking day trips there with friends and family, and she typically was a big winner. She also enjoyed going to dinner with friends, playing Bingo, and expressing her artistic flair through ceramics, showcasing her creativity and attention to detail. Her family treasures many of the pieces that she made over the years.

Known for her warm-heartedness and her infectious love for people, Dolores became well-known for her thoughtfulness and genuine affection for others. She expressed her love and care through her big, heartfelt hugs, making each encounter a memorable one.

As we remember Dolores, let us remember her infectious laughter, her kind heart, and her unwavering love. She leaves behind a legacy of compassion and warmth that will continue to inspire us all.

Surviving is her devoted husband, Gary Handren; her daughter and son-in-law, Marisa and Ryan Hettenbach; her grandson, Wesley Hettenbach; several extended family members; and many dear friends.

Life celebration services and inurnment at St. Magdalen Mausoleum, North Main Street, Flemington, NJ, are private under the care and direction of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ.

Memorial contributions in her honor may be made to the North Shore Animal League America, via mail to 25 Davis Avenue, Port Washington, NY 11050, or online by clicking HERE. Any and all contributions are greatly appreciated by the family.

You are encouraged to visit Dolores’s permanent life celebration site at www.wrightfamily.com to light a candle of hope, leave messages of condolence, and share words of comfort and recollection of her life.

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Wright & Ford, your local, family owned & operated “Life Celebration Home”

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