Leah Joy Axelrod

February 19th, 2024

I have known and loved Leah and Les since I was a young child. My grandfather, Alan, was the eldest sibling of the 4 Mandelker children. Leah and Les were there for me growing up through visits either them to me or with my grandmother and/or mother to them. Also, through letters, phone calls and then later on emails. I remember the yearly letters with the summary of their year. As big proponents of reading I remember getting either a book or magazine subscription as a holiday gift growing up. They did the same for my children. It is with fondness I remember Leah and Les and my Axelrod cousins. Leah will always be in my heart and a part of my happy memories.

~Shannon
~Great Niece, Punta Gorda, Florida

February 17th, 2024

I was just 6 years old when Leah and Les joined our Linden Ave block between Elm Place and Vine. Through her entertaining block parties, her drama classes at the local park district day camp, her warm welcomes whenever I was playing or babysitting at their home, and her kindness to my mom during her terminal illness, I came to revere this statuesque lady. My late brother was also very tied to this beautiful family through his closeness with Craig and Hal. I’m sure he was among a throng welcoming Leah in heaven. God rest your beautiful soul. My hugs to all my dear friends who are left behind to carry on her loving ways.

~Julie Neff-Encinas
~Neighbor on Allee Ln, Tucson, Az

February 17th, 2024

I have known and loved Leah and Leslie since I was a young child. My dad, Alan, was the senior sibling of the 4 Mandelker children. And though my dad died far too long ago at the age of 45, my mother Chickie, my sister Sally and my daughter Alison have removed warmly connected to Leah and Les and their 6 wonderful children even though we have lived far from Illinois for the majority of my life. Most recently, I would see Leah in NYC but she also came to visit me and my mom in New Jersey and me and Alison when we would all meet in Chicago for her family gathering. My live, all of our lives are stronger and better because of Leah. I just called and talked with her a week ago and we were scheduled to talk again this Sunday. I will miss her greatly. She will always be in my heart.

~Debbie L Mandelker
~Niece, New York City

February 16th, 2024

I’m a close friend of Nell’s and have heard many wonderful stories over the years about her mother, Leah. I did not have the privilege of meeting her in person, but I know how much she meant to her daughter and how widely loved and cherished she was. I am impressed she ran her own business as a tour guide, sharing the city and history she lloved with those around her. May we all be so gracious and have such a full, warm life.
With deepest sympathies,
Alison Conway

~Alison Conway
~Friend, London, UK

February 16th, 2024

With love and kindness we will always truly miss wonderful Leah~ thank you for always being next door !
Love and hugs, Katie

~Katie and Mark Van Alstine
~Life long neighbor and friend~, Aspen, Colorado

February 16th, 2024

Words can not express just how much Leah has meant to me over these past 40 years always to me she was my “American Mom” A friend for all this time I have been so blessed to have shared so many memories with Leah and Les over the years.

Leah was truly one in a million, I can not imagine my life without her in it. My love for her is unexplainable and I will Miss her deeply. My love and thoughts go out to all of the family during this impossible time.
Despite me being currently so far away Leah could not be more closer in my heart.

With Love,
Mandy
London UK

Leah, has visited me in London whenever her and Les were in town. She had an amazing mind and was always able to give an answer to any question. She had endless knowledge. Mandy has always been able to rely on Leah whenever needed. Knowing she was far away that always gave us great comfort.

My best wishes to all the family. You were very lucky to have such wonderful parents. She will be greatly missed by all.

Barbara Tuck
London UK

~Mandy and Barbara Tuck
~Friend, London, England

February 16th, 2024

Certainly one of my favorite cousins, Leah was always welcoming, fun, interesting, and interested in others. I remember how much my own mother really enjoyed her company.

Her family has been so blessed to have had her with them for so very long. My thoughts are with you all.

Deb

~Deb Russcol
~Cousin, Chicago, IL

February 16th, 2024

Cheers to a life well lived!
Love to all the Axelrod family,
Jerry & Georgie Suttin

~suttinJerry & Georgie
~Friends, Madison, WI

February 16th, 2024

בראד. משתתף בצערך ובצער המשפחה. שלא תדעו עוד דאבה והשמיים תנוחמו. אורי ראובני

~אורי ראובני
~חבר מישראל של הבן בראד, נצרת עילית

February 16th, 2024

How well I cherish the memory of this loving,generous family.

Selah!

from Eve Green

~Eve Green
~long time friend of the Greenfields, San Rafael ,California 94901

February 16th, 2024

Hundreds of memories, bubbling up from the fountain of my youth…Hallowe’ens where we neighborhood kids had to perform, seeing her with her tours…big smiles, always, for everyone. What’s remembered lives. Hail the traveller. She has gone shining.

~Siri Soderblom
~Neighbor, Chicago

February 16th, 2024

May God’s grace and love be a source of comfort and healing for your family.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Much love,
Susan & Anabel

~Susan Zohar
~Family Friend, Hollywood, FL

February 16th, 2024

Attending classical music concerts with Les and Leah at ravinia for many years with Leah’s brother jack and Betty and the Sullivan’s. We all brought a dish

~Kern and Maureen konley
~Long time friends of Les and leah, Oconmowoc wiscnsn