Steven Spielberg's mother, Leah Adler, has passed away. She was 97-years-old. The former concert pianist was surrounded by her family when she died at home in Los Angeles on Tuesday. "While known for her red lipstick and Peter Pan collars, for her love of daisies and for her blue jeans and sparkly bling, for her dancing from table to table around the Milky Way [her Kosher restaurant], and for her love of camping, fishing and crossword puzzles, Leah is best remembered for her deep limitless love for the people around her," Steven's production company, Amblin Entertainment, confirmed in a statement.
© Photo: Getty ImagesSteven Spielberg's mother, Leah Adler, has passed away at the age of 97
Film director Steven, 70, and his mother had an especially close relationship, and he often credited her for his artistic inclinations. Leah was the daughter of a linguist mother and a classical guitarist father. She learned to play the piano at the age of five, and went on to study at the Music Conservatory in Cincinnati. She would later graduate from the University of Cincinnati with a degree in home economics. Leah married Arnold Meyer Spielberg in 1945. The couple welcomed four children together – Steven, Anne, Sue and Nancy – and moved from Ohio to New Jersey to Arizona to California before ending their marriage in 1966.
© Photo: Getty ImagesFilm director Steven had a close relationship with his mum
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One year later, she married Bernie Adler, another electrical engineer. Together they lived in Scottsdale, Arizona, before moving to Los Angeles where they opened the Milky Way restaurant. Leah is survived by her four children, her first husband, 11 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. The family has asked that a donation by made to charity in her name in lieu of flowers.
