Sarah Lizell, owner of Lansdale store

Sarah Lizell, 86, a longtime Lansdale business owner, died Friday, May 31, of pancreatic cancer at Artman Lutheran Home.

The former Sarah Rossi was born in West Oak Lane and attended public schools.

In 1955, Mrs. Lizell moved to Lansdale with her husband, Russell, and together they founded Lansdale Office Supply Co. at 213 W. Main St.

"It was my father's idea, but she worked alongside him," her son Anthony said.

The store was popular with shoppers and other merchants because they could buy supplies in small quantities. The store would run a tab and bill them each month, her son said.

"It was easy in and out for people in the town," her son said.

In 2000, beset by competition from big-box stores, the family closed the shop. A separate business, Lizell Office Furniture at 101 Cowpath Rd. in Montgomeryville, is run by her son.

Since she was juggling raising three children with running a business, Mrs. Lizell's free time was precious. She used it to serve on the Lansdale Public Library board of directors and make gourmet meals for her family.

"She made Italian dishes and homemade pizza - the real stuff," said her son.

Mrs. Lizell will be remembered as someone who always said clearly how she felt. "You would always know where you stood with her," said her son.

In addition to her husband of 67 years, with whom she traveled the world, she is survived by another son, Alfred; a daughter, Carol; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; two brothers; and a sister.

A visitation will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 5, at St. Stanislaus Roman Catholic Church, 51 Lansdale Ave., Lansdale, followed by an 11 a.m. Funeral Mass at the church. Burial will be in Whitemarsh Memorial Park.

Contributions may be made to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, 1500 Rosecrans Ave., Suite 200, Manhattan Beach, Calif. 90266.

Condolences to the family may be offered at www.huffandlakjer.com.