Sandy Springs To Stream Funeral For Eva Galambos

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To honor the woman affectionally known as Sandy Springs’ “founding mother,” City Hall will be closed from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 21 for former Mayor Eva Galambos, the city said Monday evening.

However, the city will open the Council Chambers at 1 p.m. April 21 and will stream the funeral service for the public.

Residents who are unable to attend tomorrow’s streaming can view the service by visiting http://m.ustream.tv/channel/temple-kehillat-chaim1. A community memorial will take place at 2 p.m. Friday at Sandy Springs United Methodist Church, said city spokesperson Sharon Kraun.

Funeral services for the city’s first mayor, who lost her battle with cancer Sunday afternoon, will be held at 1 p.m. at Temple Kehillat Chaim. Arrangements will be handled by Sandy Springs Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks residents to consider making a donation to the Anne Frank in the World Exhibit or to a charity of one’s choice.

Mayor Rusty Paul said the City Council will meet as scheduled at 6 p.m. Tuesday.

“The greatest tribute we can offer Eva is for the Council she helped create and led to meet to do the things she aspired for it to do,” he added on his Facebook page.

• RELATED: Eva Galambos, Founding Mayor of Sandy Springs, Passes Away

As the news of Galambos’ passing began to make the rounds Sunday evening, citizens utilized the quickest method of communicating with friends and family to express their condolences: social media.

Many of those included newly elected City Council members as well as fellow mayors of newly created cities.

“Eva Galambos’ legacy is an amazing one...through her family, with the city she created with decades of hard work and the many cities that followed her lead,” said Councilman Gabriel Sterling on his Facebook page. “Rest In Peace, Eva.”

In his newsletter to his constituents, Councilman Ken Dishman added that while he did not have the chance to work closely with Galambos as an elected official, he was proud to have known her.

“Few individuals have impacted our world as profoundly as Eva Galambos did,” he stated. “She was truly a force of nature, an extraordinary person who had a singular vision and the leadership and fortitude to achieve it.”

Johns Creek Mayor Mike Bodker added Galambos was both a “friend and mentor.”

“Johns Creek might not be a city if not for her 30 (plus) year effort to create the city of Sandy Springs,” he added. “She built a new city with sheer will and incredible finesse, and created an opportunity for other new cities to follow.”

“Her able and compassionate stewardship during her two terms as mayor exemplified how all of us should strive to govern. She approached everything with passion and dedication, and touched more lives than I can imagine. I wish her family comfort during this difficult time.”

Sandy Springs Youth Sports, along with other community organizations, also used Facebook to issue a statment on Galambos’ passing.

“The families of Sandy Springs Youth Sports are very sad to hear of Eva’s death today,” the organization said on Sunday while sharing a photo of Galambos and Dishman attending its 2013 grand opening ceremonies. “She was a pioneer and a fearless leader, and the city of Sandy Springs and our ballpark hold her in high regard.”

State Rep. Tom Price (R-Roswell) on Monday observed Galambos’ passing by stating the city and Georgia as a whole suffered the loss of a “hero.”

“Few people in public service have had a more positive impact on their city, constituents, and future,” he stated. “Eva was a dear friend and a remarkably dedicated public servant. She will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and working with her, and by everyone benefitting from her service.”

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Photo credits: city of Sandy Springs, Rotary Club of Sandy Springs, Sandy Springs Youth Sports, city of Johns Creek, Sandy Springs/Perimeter Chamber of Commerce