VIRGINIA BEACH – Sally Adler was a force of nature — ahead of her time, deeply informed, and an inspiration to all who knew her. She will be remembered for her warmth, hospitality, and extraordinary culinary skills, as well as her tireless devotion to community causes and her gift for connecting people and ideas. Sally Adler died October 23, at the age of 93 due to pancreatic cancer.
Born in Richmond on October 14, 1932, Sally faced loss early when her father died before her first birthday. Her mother, Sarah Segal, ran the family furniture business through the Great Depression while raising three children, instilling resilience, independence, and a commitment to self-advocacy. Sally’s curiosity about the world and sense of justice guided her throughout her life, informing both her volunteer work and her engagement with the arts and culture. She was guided by her mother’s oft-repeated advice: “Don’t be a doormat,” a principle that instilled in her the courage to stand up for herself and others and the confidence to embrace life fully.
Sally graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School, attended Mary Washington College, and earned her B.A. from Ohio State University. She met Theodore (Ted) Adler in Richmond and recognized a soul mate. They married in 1955 and shared 65 years of adventure, discovery, and joy.
Whether living in Boston, California, or Virginia, Sally embraced new opportunities and experiences, from her work in medical laboratories to cultivating her passions for travel, gourmet food, wine, and the arts.
Sally and Ted’s marriage was a true partnership. They delighted in travel, visiting nearly 75 countries together and embracing each journey as an adventure. Whether exploring bustling markets, wandering museums, or navigating the unexpected with laughter and grace, they shared a love of discovery that colored every aspect of their life together. They also shared a passion for duplicate bridge, earning Life Master status as partners, and enjoyed countless hours around the table where their shared wit and competitive spirit shone. They were soul mates—adventurous, deeply loving, and inspiring to everyone who knew them.
Sally immersed herself in community service with the same energy and intelligence that marked her personal pursuits. She taught at the Florence Crittenton Home for unwed mothers, organized conferences on family life education, and served on both national and local boards of Plays for Living, which used theater to explore social issues. She held leadership positions at Norfolk Academy, Lee’s Friends, Ohef Sholom Temple, Jewish Family Service, and Child and Family Service. In 1981, she became the first woman to chair the board of the United Way of South Hampton Roads, recognized for her vision and talent for connecting people.
She combined her love of travel with her devotion to the arts by creating and leading the Chrysler Museum’s travel program for 15 years, guiding groups around the globe and raising funds for the museum she cherished. She received the Jean Outland Chrysler Volunteer of the Year Award in 1987. She co-founded a corporate relocation program that helped attract businesses and families to Hampton Roads, again blending her creativity, intelligence, and ability to connect people.
Neighbors and friends will remember Sally’s kitchen as a place of welcome — and her blueberry muffins, which she often baked in big batches to give away, as a sweet symbol of her generosity and warmth.
Even when faced with serious illness, Sally approached life with courage, independence, and perspective. She drove herself to treatments, never letting illness define her. If she ever felt down, she would get out of the house, go to a favorite restaurant, or even travel to New York City to enjoy a show, fully embracing life on her own terms.
Sally is survived by her daughter, Leslie (Peter) Guth; her son, Harry (Leslie) Adler; her grandchildren, Isaac Adler (Claire), Michael Guth (Sharon), and Maya Adler; her great-granddaughter, Laila Chacko Guth; her dear sister-in-law, Sally Segal; and many nieces and nephews.
Sally lived with courage, curiosity, generosity, and an unquenchable zest for life. She leaves a legacy of adventure, service, and warmth, touching both family and community with her presence, vision, and joy.
The family would like to thank all who touched Sally’s life.
A memorial service was held at Ohef Sholom Temple.
The family kindly requests donations to Virginia Beach Rescue Squad, WHRO Public TV, or to the charity of one’s choice.
Online condolences may be made to the family at hdoliver.com.