Anna von Gierke grew up in Heidelberg and Berlin. After graduating from school, she worked in a home for young people in Berlin-Charlottenburg. She became head of the home in 1898. In 1911 she opened a social education training facility there, where women could gain professional qualifications to work in kindergartens, schools, and daycare facilities. In 1922 she founded a rural home for young people in Finkenkrug, along with Martha Abicht and Alice Bendix.
From 1933, Anna von Gierke was persecuted due to her Jewish origins and removed from all her posts. Her colleague and friend Isa Gruner took over the management of the Finkenkrug home.
Despite the threat to her own life, Anna von Gierke used her wide network of contacts to help other persecuted people, forging contacts on behalf of Jews in hiding. She was also active in the Confessional Church. She organized lecture evenings in her home, which were attended by critics of the regime.
When her friend Isa Gruner housed Jewish children and youths in the Finkenkrug home, she was informed of the situation and provided support.
Anna von Gierke fell severely ill and died in April 1943.
