JANET AXELROD

AXELROD--Janet. Age 70, an activist who reimagined funding social movements at Haymarket People's Fund and planted the seeds of progressive culture in tech as VP of Human Resources at Lotus Development Corporation, died at home in Cambridge, MA on December 26, 2021. She had breast cancer, and passed away surrounded by loved ones. She was born in New York City on November 1, 1951 to a socialist Jewish family, and was a lifelong feminist, anti-capitalist and anti- racist. An alumna of Barnard College, Axelrod believed strongly in building community, and had a remarkable ability to make everyone she spoke to feel deeply seen. Janet is survived by her husband Tim Plenk; their three children: Eli, Stella, and Lindiwe; her sister, Carol Axelrod; many cousins; and countless friends and comrades. Donations in her name can be made to: Self-managed Abortion Safe and Supported; The Cambridge Public Library Foundation; Grassroots International; and Highlander Research and Education Center.