Hannah Solomon Block

Hannah Block Obituary

HANNAH SOLOMON BLOCK

JUNE 8, 1913 -

NOVEMBER 13, 2009

Hannah Block passed away on November 13, 2009 after several months of failing health. She will be greatly missed by her children, Frank Block and Mary Levine; her five grand children Steve Block, Amy DeLoach, Ellen Engelhardt, Charles Levine, and Rosie Levine; and, her seven great grandchildren. She was married to the late Charles M. Block, who was one of the founders of Block Industries, An apparel manufacturing company formerly headquartered in Wilmington, NC.

Hannah, as she was known to her many friends, began making her mark on the civic and political life of Southeastern North Carolina almost as soon as she moved here as a bride in 1935. It was an endeavor she devoted her life to over the next 74 years.

During the Second World War she became very involved in the war effort on the home front. She was a volunteer driver with the Red Cross Motor Corp but is best remembered for her work with the USO. During this period she also dedicated time to heading the Life Guard force at Carolina Beach.

After the War she became the Director of Miss North Carolina Pageant, coached many contestants for the Miss America Pageant, and was one of the founders of the Patrons Party of the Azalea Festival. Her efforts were recognized in the early 1950's by her being named the Woman of the Year in Wilmington. She became involved in politics in the early 1960's, was elected to the Wilmington City Council and also to the position of Mayor pro temp.

In her later years she became a staunch advocate for the preservation of historic downtown Wilmington. Again her accomplishments were recognized by her being awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine by then governor, Jim Hunt. More recently, she was given a Life Time Achievement Award by the Wilmington StarNews and a gala was held in her honor by the Historic Wilmington Foundation.

Hannah was truly a unique personality who loved people and loved life. She saw her duty very clearly and dedicated her life to the betterment of her community and the people in it. She will be mourned by her family and all who knew her.

The funeral service will be held on Sunday, November 15, 2009 at 2:30 PM in the B'nai Israel Synagogue, 2601 Chestnut Street, Wilmington, NC. The burial will be immediately after the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lower Cape Fear Hospice, Historic Wilmington Foundation, or Charles and Hannah Block Chair of Jewish History at UNCW.

Online condolences at StarNewsOnline.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Wilmington Star-News from Nov. 14 to Nov. 15, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Hannah Block

13 Entries

Phyllis Casey

November 19, 2009

The Block Family,
I was so sorry to hear about the passing of Ms. Block. As a receptionist at Oakdale Heights, I thoroughly enjoyed hearing the stories of her life and her perspective on Wilmington through the years. I think of her every time I pass the USO.

Sharon Egan

November 16, 2009

Hannah was the first person I met when I moved to Wilmington into her quaint historic house on Front St. 10 years ago. She was vivacious and kind. I'll always have wonderful memories of the two of us sipping a cup of tea in her bedroom on rainy afternoons and marveling at the wonderful tales of her life and her inspiring me to follow my dreams. A true "Southern Woman".....I will miss her dearly.

Nelson Robinson

November 15, 2009

There are always people that we meet that we can never forget. Ms. Hannah was such a person. I will never forget her and feel fortunate to have met such a wonderful person. Nelson Robinson

Sharon Nobles

November 14, 2009

Frank, Wendy - I am so very saddened to hear of this. Gone but not forgotten indeed! Ms Hannah will live on forever. It was always a delight to see her and listen to her wisdom and wit, and not to mention her straight forward ways. What a wonderful lady! Tell her I said "Thanks for the Tiger Balm"!

Beverly Collum Newton

November 14, 2009

My thoughts and prayers go out to each of you. I really didn't know her personally but I made her aquaintance during my time I worked for Block Industries (8/69-2/72 key punch operator). This was my first job after high school. We always have our memmories, cherish them.

Margaret Rogers

November 14, 2009

I will cherish the times I spent with Ms. Hannah. She was a wonderful person and I often related her help in my telling of WW II events in Wilmington. She will never be forgotten and we are all blessed to have known her. Thank goodness many of us had the chance to tell her how much she meant to Wilmington.

Gladys Sellers

November 14, 2009

I met Ms. Block when I started work as a PCA at the then Manor House in 2001. She had a sweet spirit. I enjoyed talking to her during my time there attending to her in various ways. Even enjoyed her piano playing as well. She was a walking history book. And yes, I even worked at Block Shirt Factory. She was always giving the aides chocolates covered with pecans. It was a pleasure to meet her and to serve her. God be with the family.

Phil Johnson

November 14, 2009

I met your mother in the early 70's through friends that rented apartments at the Purnell-Empie House on Front St. I admired her. She was a very gracious lady, alway friendly. She alway made me feel welcome. She was very instrumental in "resotring" the old homes in downtown Wilmington. In most cities people renovated old homes, in Wilmington they "restored". Phil Johnson, Charlotte, NC.

Virginia Baysden

November 14, 2009

My sympathy is extended to the family of such a fascinating and memorable individual as Mrs. Hannah Block. My first recollection of her was when she was on the City Council and made Mayor Pro-tem while I was an undergraduate. I feel she had a positive influence on the community and those who had the fortunate experience of knowing her.

Chris Noe

November 14, 2009

I will always remember Hannah's voice when she would call me "doll" and her uplifting advice through tough times. She always made me feel stronger and able to take on anything. She would say "You are the one who makes things happen. So just do it why don't ya". She was a mother to many. The last time I saw her was at the Dock Street Oyster Bar enjoying her oysters. I will always be a better person for knowing her. Thank You Hannah.

Anne Andrea

November 14, 2009

Dear Mr. Block and family:

I was saddened to read of the passing of your incredible mother. I was fortunate to meet her and speak with her a few times while I was a paralegal at your firm, and was completely charmed and fascinated every minute of those occasions. I extend my sincere sympathy and prayers for the comfort of your family.

Al & Fran Creasy

November 14, 2009

Wendy and Frank.....

I was saddened to read this morning of your Mother's death. Her life was truly filled with many accomplishments of which everyone can be proud.

It was good to see you both at our recent class reunion after all these years.

Our thoughts are with you.

William Connor

November 14, 2009

She loved her family,her country and the community in which she lived.
What we should all remember is how hard she worked to make Wilmington a better place to live and raise a family. I will miss her. Wilmington will miss her and be forever in debt to her for the progress that has been made.

Bill Connor,
Past Chairman,
New hanover County Democratic Party

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