Sarah Burgen Ackerman

Sarah Burgen Ackerman, age 104, died Friday morning February 20. Sarah was born on November 27, 1921 in Montgomery, Alabama. Her parents,Pauline and Abram Burgen and her four siblings preceded her in death. Sarah attended the University of Alabama and Winthrop College, now Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC. She married George E. Ackerman, deceased, in 1940 and had four children. Allan Ackerman of Columbia SC, Esther Ackerman Scott (who preceded her in death), Penni Ackerman Powell (Stephen) of Charlotte and Bernard Ackerman (Teri) of Fort Mill, SC. Sarah had seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

Sarah and her husband were merchants in Fort Mill, SC for thirty-five years. While in business they helped found the Fort Mill Chamber of Commerce and Operation Snow Flake which provided community workers respite on Christmas Day to allow them to celebrate the holiday. They were active in the greater York County community serving on various charitable boards including Red Cross and Attention Home.

Family life was extremely important to Sarah and she loved hosting and cooking for innumerable family gatherings.

Sarah was a member of Temple Israel in Charlotte, NC for over 70 years and a lifetime member of Hadassah. She was proud of her Jewish identity and traditions.

The family wishes to thank the entire staff of Harbor Chase Riverwalk where she received wonderful care and the love and affection of staff and residents for the last two years. We also wish to thank Providence Hospice for the attentive care in the last several months of her life.

A special thank you to Mary Watson who was a special friend, neighbor and caregiver over the years.

Donations in Sarah’s memory may be made to Temple Israel, 5901 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC 28226 and Providence Hospice 500 Lake Shore Drive, Rock Hill SC 29730.