Selma S. Axelrod

Axelrod, Selma S. HOOSICK FALLS, N.Y. Following a long illness, Selma S. Axelrod, 92, died peacefully on Friday, January 9, 2009 at the Hoosick Falls Health Center. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., Mrs. Axelrod was the daughter of the late Sidney and Lillian Sachs, and the sister of the late Alvin Sachs of Brooklyn. She graduated with high honors from Brooklyn College, and for several years taught English at a secondary school in Brooklyn. Later, she completed a master's degree in school administration at SUNY/Albany and during the 1970s implemented and administered an innovative curriculum at Hudson Valley Community College aimed at helping homemakers return to the workforce. Mrs. Axelrod was an active member of the Albany League of Women Voters and served as president for a number of years. Following her retirement from Hudson Valley Community College, she enjoyed spending summers on Cape Cod with her late husband Donald Axelrod, her children and grandchildren. Having an interest in architecture, she especially enjoyed designing the family's summer home. Mrs. Axelrod liked attending numerous cultural venues: films, theatre, concerts, and she delighted in the many overseas trips taken with her late husband. She was also an avid reader, a fine writer (she edited several books published by her late husband) and an accomplished cook and seamstress. Mrs. Axelrod's late husband Donald Axelrod served as assistant director for the New York State Budget Division, and also as professor of public administration at SUNY/Albany. Mrs. Axelrod is survived by her daughter, Rosemary Axelrod of Troy, N.Y.; her son and daughter-in-law, Jon and Susan Axelrod of Madison, Wis.; her grandson, David Axelrod; and her granddaughter, Lauren Callahan. A private memorial service is planned for later this year. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hoosick Falls Health Center in Hoosick Falls, N.Y.