Alana Faith Ratner

Alana “Lana” Faith (Goldstein) Ratner was born on February 7, 1949, in Brooklyn, New York, and from the very beginning, she was someone who gathered people in. Raised in Miami, Florida, and later settling in Holly Springs, Georgia, Lana built community everywhere she lived; not because she tried to, but because it was simply who she was. Her Jewish faith was a cornerstone of her life. In Miami, she was an active member of Temple Israel, where she sang in the choir and formed many of her closest and longest-lasting friendships. Judaism was not just something she practiced it was something she lived. It showed in her hospitality, in her devotion to family, and especially in her kitchen, where holidays were celebrated loudly, lovingly, and with plenty of food for anyone who happened to stop by. Lana spent much of her career working in schools, first as an office assistant in Florida and later as a substitute teacher in Cherokee County, Georgia. She had an instinct to nurture and support children and families. After moving to Georgia, she joined the PTA at her granddaughter’s elementary school, Holly Springs Elementary, and quickly became a familiar and beloved presence. She showed up fully: dependable, engaged, and ready to help, forming friendships that lasted for years. Bowling was one of her great joys, and it was at a bowling alley (Bird Bowl, Miami, Fl) that she met the love of her life, Mark Ratner. Married in 1978, theirs was a marriage that was truly tried and true. Mark delighted in making Lana laugh. He knew exactly how to tease her just enough to get her riled up, and exactly how to calm her down again. Together they built businesses, weathered challenges, celebrated successes, and stood shoulder to shoulder through it all. Their chemistry was unmistakable, their partnership steady and strong. Family was the center of Lana’s world. She was the proud mother of Andria, Steven, and Jeremy, but her favorite title was “Grandma.” She adored her grandchildren: Amanda, Alaura, Makayla, Harrison, Jordan, Jasmine, Brayden, Hudson, Matthew, Jamie, and Tyler. She cheered them on at every sporting event, concert, and ceremony she could attend. In true Lana fashion, her love expanded far beyond bloodlines. She “adopted” grandchildren wherever she found them, embracing friends, partners, and extended loved ones with open arms. In her world, no one was ever an outsider. Lana’s devotion to family reflected the example set by the generations before her. In 1978, after the passing of her grandfather Sydney “Pop Pop” Schachter (1907–1978), Lana and Mark opened their home to her beloved grandmother, Cele “Mom Mom” Schachter (1910–2003), who became an integral part of their household. In later years, Mom Mom and Lana’s mother, Barbara Wirtschafter, shared a home together. Then, in 2013, Lana once again welcomed family into her care when her mother moved into her and Mark’s home, where she remained surrounded by love. She is survived by her devoted husband, Mark; her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; her mother, Barbara; her siblings Neysa Wirtschafter and Brian Wirtschafter; and her half-brothers, children of her late father, Dennis Goldstein. She also leaves behind many dear friends who became family along the way. Lana’s legacy is one of laughter, loyalty, resilience, and radical hospitality. She built a life around her table, around her faith, and around the people she loved. Because of that, her love will continue to ripple outward for generations. May her memory be a blessing. Please join us in celebrating her life on March 1, 2026 between 1-4pm at the Crestmont clubhouse at: 105 Crestmont Drive, Canton, GA 30114 In “True Lana Fashion” please come wearing something with pink or purple. Hope to see you there!

Tributes

Alana Faith Ratner

February 7, 1949 - February 22, 2026