Erna W Axt

Erna Irene Williams Axt went to be with her Lord on Sunday, September 27 surrounded by her loving family, 7 months shy of her 100th birthday. Erna was predeceased by her husband of 58 years, C. Melvin Axt Sr. on February 24, 2004. She moved to Connecticut to live with her baby sister, Hilda Williams Moyer Levy, in November 2011. She survives her.

Erna is also survived by her sons and their wives, William F. (Connie) of New London and Chester M. (Kathy) of Middle River, MD, three grandchildren Matthew Axt of California, Knoll (Belinda) Axt of Perry Hall, MD and Kerrie Axt Jennings of New London and 10 great-grandchildren. Erna is also survived by her dear sister-in-law Terry Williams of Ovieda, FL. She was predeceased by her parents, William F and Laura I. Parks Williams and siblings George E. Williams, William J. Williams, Leonard D. Williams, Betty L. Williams Cascio and Jack K. Williams.

Erna was a blessing to her 21 Axt and Williams nieces and nephews, their spouses and a multitude of great and great-great nieces and nephews. She was the glue that held the Williams clan together, hosting many celebrations from birthdays to showers and weddings at her home in Randallstown, MD. Her Thanksgiving Day meals on Eastman Court were legendary. Her door was open to anyone who wanted to come, and the table took up her entire dining room and living room while the kid’s tables filled her family room downstairs. Erna had a knack for remembering birthdays and she recognized your day with a handwritten card that always arrived in the mail on your birthday.

Erna and Mel travelled with his employer, American Tote Company, to racetracks from Florida to Maine and west to Arkansas and Kentucky. Although their home base was in Maryland, she made a house a home everywhere they stayed. Erna’s door was always open, and visitors were welcome to come and stay for as long as they liked. She made lifelong friends everywhere she lived.

Erna was a devout Christian and a member of Lee Memorial Church in Norwich. After a fall in February 2019, she became a resident of Norwichtown Care and Rehabilitation Center. Her family would like to thank all her caregivers at Norwichtown Care and Rehabilitation Center for their tender care, especially

when the doors were closed to COVID-19. She was moved to her niece’s home on September 9, on Hospice care, so she could be cared for and surrounded by those who loved her. The family would also like to thank the angels from the Center for Hospice Care for their compassionate care and unwavering guidance, especially nurse Aimee and aide Sandy.

A celebration of life will be held in April 2021 as that’s when she would have celebrated her 100th birthday. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider making a donation in Erna’s name to Center for Hospice Care 227 Dunham Street, Norwich, CT 06360.