A Life Before the Annex: Edith Frank-Holländer
Born in Aachen, Germany, on January 16, 1900, Edith Holländer was the youngest daughter of Abraham Holländer and Rosa Stern. She grew up in a comfortable, established family supported by her parents’ successful scrap metal and industrial parts business. She had a sister, Bettina, and two older brothers, Julius and Walter.
A Child of Privilege and Sorrow
Edith enjoyed a largely carefree childhood until a devastating event in 1914: the death of her sister, Bettina. Despite this early sorrow, Edith was resilient. She excelled as a good pupil and was active and social. She enjoyed sports, specifically playing tennis and swimming.
Her social life was vibrant; she loved to attend balls and big parties and had a keen eye for pretty clothes. She was also very well-read, a testament to her intelligence and curiosity.
Transition to Adulthood
After secondary school, Edith gained valuable experience by working for the family business for several years. This period of stability and professional life came to a close when she married Otto Frank in 1925, beginning a new chapter that would eventually lead her to Amsterdam and to becoming the mother of Margot and Anne.