Aanya (Anne) Adler Friess died peacefully at home in Albuquerque, N.M., on Sept. 5. She was 92.

Born in 1926 in New York city to Ruth Adler Friess and Horace Friess, Aanya made New Mexico her primary home for 60 years. She also remained deeply connected to a home and lifelong friends on Martha’s Vineyard. As a child, she attended Fieldston School, part of the Society for Ethical Culture founded by her grandfather, Felix Adler. She received a bachelor’s degree from Sarah Lawrence College and a master’s in dance history from the University of New Mexico.

Aanya was a professional dancer, dance historian, published poet and community activist. She worked all her life to promote peace, justice and environmental sanity. She was a founding member of the Corrales Community School and the Children’s Resource Center in N.M. She was a longtime active member and supporter of Albuquerque’s Center for Peace and Justice.

Those who loved Aanya recognized her intellectual, yet feisty, authority-questioning nature. Her greatest joy was people — her family and many friends.

She is survived by her children: Elena Kirschner of Flagstaff, Ariz. and Joel Kirschner of Albuquerque and their spouses; two grandchildren; and her former husband Richard Kirschner.

A celebration of her life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26 at Nahalat Shalom, 3606 Rio Grande Blvd. NW, Albuquerque.

Donations can be sent to the Albuquerque Center for Peace and Justice.