Eva Galambos, the “founding mother” of Sandy Springs who led the 2005 push for cityhood and served as the new city’s first mayor, died Sunday afternoon.
Galambos, 87, died of cancer, according to a statement released by Sharon Kraun, spokeswoman for the City of Sandy Springs.
“Flags around the city of Sandy Springs will be lowered to half-staff, marking the passing of the city’s founding mother,” Kraun said.
“This is a great loss for the city and a great loss personally. Eva was truly our city mother. Her efforts led to the city’s creation. She cared and nurtured the city, and the strength of our community is due greatly to her unwavering love and devotion to creating something better for us all,” current Mayor Rusty Paul said in the statement.
“She led by example and infused an optimism and dedication that remains pervasive throughout the community today,” added John McDonough, Sandy Springs City Manager.
Sandy Springs on Dec. 1, 2005, became the first new city in the state in 50 years, and Galambos served two terms as mayor, stepping down in 2013.
For her work leading to the creation of the City of Sandy Springs, Galambos was honored by Georgia Municipal Association with the 2010 People, Place and Purpose Award. Mayor Galambos was also the recipient of the 2011 Andrew Young School Distinguished Alumni Award from the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies at Georgia State University.
Galambos is survived her husband, Dr. John Galambos, three children and six grandchildren.
The funeral for Eva Cohn Galambos will be held at Temple Kehillat Chaim at 1 p.m. Tuesday, according to Kraun. She said that in lieu of flowers, the family requests consideration of a donation to the Anne Frank in the World Exhibit or to a charity of one’s choice.
Details will be released Monday on a memorial in Galambos’s honor planned by the city of Sandy Springs, Kraun said.
Update: City Hall will be closed on Tuesday, but council chambers will be open for those who want to watch a video stream of Galambos's funeral. Here is an update posted on the city's Facebook page:
In honor of Mayor Eva Galambos, City Hall will be closed tomorrow, April 21, from 12:30 - 2:30 p.m. The City will open Council Chambers to the public and will stream the funeral service at City Hall, beginning at 1 p.m.
For those wishing to see the service but not able to travel, you can view the service at the link following. - http://m.ustream.tv/channel/temple-kehillat-chaim1
On MyAJC.com: Eva Galambos sparked a city -- and a movement
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