Sarah Lillian Axelrod

Sarah Lillian (Epstein) Axelrod of Columbia, Connecticut died at home Sunday, May 10, 2015, at the age of 93. A longtime resident of Columbia and Willimantic, she helped organize the first kindergarten in Columbia, among other community efforts during her long and full life. Her love of storytelling and wide friendships in the region and beyond made her a resident historian for her extended family and friends. Sarah worked at UConn, Eastern, WILI radio and several other Willimantic businesses, in a time before computers, when secretaries were the back bone of the office. In 1942, she married Louis Axelrod of Willimantic, and together raised four children, as well as owned and operated a gas station and a lawn-and-garden shop in Columbia. Sarah is survived by her children; son, Martin J. Axelrod of Enola, PA; daughter, Shirli M. Axelrod of Seattle, WA; son, Ed B. Axelrod of Knoxville, TN; and son, Raymand A.M. Axelrod of Willimantic, CT. She is also survived by a granddaughter Abby R. Axelrod of Nashville, TN. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to United Bretren of Hebron Synagogue, 10 Church St, Hebron, CT 06248; Columbia Volunteer Fire Department, 167 CT-66, Columbia, CT 06237; or National Stroke Association, 9707 E. Easter Lane, Suite B, Centennial, CO 80112. There will be no services.