Anita Frank Payson

Anita Frank Payson passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at her home in Gaithersburg, Maryland, at the age of 98. She was the beloved wife of the late Stanley A. Frank and the devoted mother of Harry (preceded in death) (Mary), Linda (Mitchell) and Barbara (Spencer). She was a cherished grandmother to Jonathan, Nathaniel, Melissa (Tim), Shannon (Rodrigo), Kelly (PJ), Brian (Jenni), Amanda (Jeff), Stephen (Kerrie) and Nicole (Jeremy), and by a whopping 17 great-grandchildren.
Born on August 25, 1926 in Berlin, Germany, Anita's early life was shaped by profound historical events. As a child, she was sent on the Kindertransport to Scotland to escape the rise of Hitler. After three years apart, she was reunited with her parents, Trude and Martin, in London during the Blitz. In 1941, the family immigrated to New York, where Anita began a new life in America.
She later met and married Stanley, with whom she raised three children. Anita dedicated herself to her family and played an active role in her Jewish community. She served as Sisterhood president and contributed to the United Jewish Appeal.
In her later years, Anita lived in Florida before moving to Gaithersburg during the COVID pandemic in order to be closer to family. A talented baker and lifelong crafter, she brought warmth and joy everywhere she went through her creativity, care and kindness.
Anita's life was a testament to resilience, devotion, and enduring love. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew her.
A funeral service will be held at the Garden of Remembrance Chapel in Clarksburg, MD on Monday, April 7th, at 1pm with interment to follow at Garden of Remembrance. Shiva will be held at the Hornstein Residence Monday and Tuesday evenings, beginning at 6:30pm.
Memorial contributions may be made to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum or HIAS.