Hanna Heimann Adler

Hanna Heimann Adler, 100, died on May 2, 2026. Mrs. Adler was born in Werne, German, where her family had been merchants for generations. She was one of four children born to Albert and Rosa Heimann. Hanna was preceded in death by her sisters, Julia Heimann Waixel, Ruth Heimann Oppenheim, and her beloved brother Herbert Heimann.

As Hitler came to power, Hanna and her family were stripped of their livelihoods, restricted from going to school, and persecuted for just being Jewish. At the height of the war, Hanna and her immediate family immigrated to the United States. As a teen living in New York City "in the heights" Hanna worked as a secretary by day and continued her education at night school. She met her husband of 70 years, Howard Adler, after the war and the two created a good life for themselves and their three children. In 1961, they moved to Statesville where their 3 children attended Statesville City Schools: Mark Adler, PhD (Linda), of Lexington, MA, Stuart Adler, MD PhD (Molly) of St. Louis, MO, and Lauren Adler Stark (Philip) of Matthews, NC.

In Statesville, the Adlers were active in Congregation Emanuel for many decades. In her role as corresponding secretary, Hanna wrote numerous articles for the Record and Landmark newspaper on Jewish holidays and other celebrations for congregational members. She was active in the Professional Secretary International, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Girl Scouts, and PTA for her children. She worked for NL Fasteners in Statesville, NC as an executive secretary before retirement.

Hanna and Howard had 7 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren who they cherished. It was important for Hanna and Howard to see their Jewish legacy carried into the next generations.

A memorial service will be held at Congregation Emanuel, 206 Kelly Street, Statesville, NC, at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, May 4, 2026, with burial to follow at 2:00 p.m. at Oakwood Cemetery in Statesville. The family will receive visitors at Congregation Emanual at 12:30 p.m. prior to the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to The Stan Greenspon Holocaust Education Center in Charlotte, the Levine and Dickson Hospice House in Charlotte, Congregation Emanuel in Statesville, or any other charities of your choice.

The family will sit shiva at the home of Lauren Adler Stark, in Matthews Monday evening through Thursday evening at 8:00 p.m.