Shirley T. Axel, 89, of Urbana, passed away on Friday, August 19, 2011 at Meadowbrook Health Center in Urbana. A memorial service will be held Sunday, September 11, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. in the Activity Room of Clark-Lindsey Village.

Mrs. Axel was born May 5, 1922 in Erlanger, Kentucky to Morris Yager and Allene Mabel (Riggs) Thomas. Mrs. Axel graduated from the University of Kentucky where she was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, then received her Master's Degree in English from the University of Pennsylvania. She taught English at the University of Illinois until 1956. In June 1954, she married Peter Axel who was a Professor of Physics at the University of Illinois until his death in 1983. They had one daughter, Sarah, who survives her. She is also survived by her son-in-law Chris, 2 granddaughters, 4 nieces, 3 nephews, and many friends. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Margery Rouse. She enjoyed gardening, bird watching, and sewing, and attended the Krannert Center for Performing Arts and Chicago Lyric Opera regularly. She was a strong supporter of the Krannert Art Museum, the Sinfonia da Camera, the Audubon Society, and Planned Parenthood.

Memorial contributions may be made to any of these organizations. Condolences may be offered online at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com.