Lola Semerad, 96, a long time resident of Old Greenwich, CT died peacefully on August 27, 2021 at Edgehill, Stamford, Ct. where she resided since 2014. Beloved wife of Gordon for 69 years and loving mother of Lita Ann, Kirk and Laurie.
Lola was born on July 11, 1925 to Dr. & Mrs. Frederick Kassebohm of NYC. She attended the St. Agatha School for Girls, the sister school to Trinity and St. Mary’s, Peekskill, NY. Graduating from Parson’s School of Design she pursued an early career in Interior Design complementing her innate style & artistry which she enjoyed throughout her life. In NYC she met “Gordon” on a blind date encouraged by her former roommate at St. Mary’s. Gordon kept the “letter of introduction” his entire life dated August 28, 1945 describing Lola as “containing 6’ of the most beautiful streamlining I have ever seen and she has a terrific personality!” How could he have been so lucky! The feeling was mutual, Lola forgot her crush on Cary Grant. She gave Gordon a taste of NYC and her favorite haunt for a wonderful time, The Stork Club. Often photographed, they looked like a Hollywood couple but shunned the spot light moving to Old Greenwich in 1953. Lola first became involved in her community through the Junior League of Greenwich, St. Saviour’s, the Rocky Point Club, and enjoyed managing the Gallery Shop & Blue Bead, women’s speciality stores for couture & objets d’art. At Wood Associates, Realtors, she also supported the Old Greenwich office. In 1989 she joined Greenwich Ophthalmology as a Contact Lens specialist having trained with the renowned, Eye Surgeon, Dr. Edwin Kent. Retiring at 79 she remarked on how gratifying her profession was helping people see properly. She was sorely missed for her gentle nature and expertise. Throughout her life she loved special trips with Lita who would always take her on a “magic carpet ride” to some new adventure. The highlight came on her 80th birthday when Lita surprised her with a Metropolitan Museum trip on the famous Sea Cloud exploring the Black Sea through the Bosphorus to Istanbul. Lola will long be remembered for her fortitude, grace and dignity. Faith, Family and Friends were her strength and solace. The family wishes to thank Edgehill’s Harbor Nurses, Aids, Jamila, Sala, Asila, Father Ian Montgomery of St Saviour’s and Constellation hospice for their loving comfort for Lola in her last days. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Lola’s name for the Memorial Chapel Garden, St. Saviour’s Church 350 Sound Beach Avenue, Old Greenwich Ct. 06870. Online condolences may be left at www.leopgallagherstamford.com
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