Hanna Marie Sack

Hanna Marie Sack, a kind and gentle soul, was born on October 26, 1924 in the small German village of Zschorlau to Walter and Marie Wagner. Her father was a stonemason and her mother a homemaker. The family was of modest means, coping with the difficult economic situation in post-World War I Germany that affected so many people of that time. Hanna loved to participate in church activities, she loved to read, and she loved school; she was an outstanding student.

When her basic education was completed, her teachers recommended that she be enrolled in a teacher training program. She wished to pursue further education and become a teacher herself, but it was not to be, because her father did not allow it. He knew that she would be subject to indoctrination in the hateful policies of the Nazi regime, and that she would in turn have been expected to indoctrinate her own students. Instead, she was employed in the City Hall of Zschorlau, working in the city operated bank.

During and after World War II, the citizens of Zschorlau faced adversity and hardship, including hunger due to insufficient food. All four of her brothers had been soldiers; three lost their lives, and only one returned home.

After the war, Hanna married her childhood sweetheart Gotthard Sack, and they were happy to welcome three children—Johannes, Adelheid, and Ursula. Unfortunately, as citizens of Soviet controlled East Germany the family faced further adversity. Gotthard was in danger of arrest because he had taken actions to protect fellow citizens from harsh government policies, and so the family had to flee in secrecy and make their way as political refugees to West Berlin. With assistance from members of the Methodist church, they were able to live in West Germany until permission to emigrate to the U.S.A. was granted. In December 1954, they arrived in Los Angeles to start their new American life. They were happy to welcome a new daughter, Margaret Elizabeth, some years later.

Hanna’s strong faith in God carried her through her life’s challenges, including the loss of her dear husband in 1984 and her son in 2021. She cherished her family and friends, and was a faithful participant in many church activities throughout her long life. A spirit of kindness, patience, modesty, acceptance, nurturing, and unconditional love emanated from her and drew people toward her. She was beloved by all who knew her.

Hanna was recently honored by many people who cherished her, on her 100th birthday, and passed away peacefully just a few weeks later.

Hanna is survived by her three daughters, eight grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. Her memory will be with them forever.

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