Sandy Ginsburg
The world lost a magnificent soul on Monday, March 29, 2021. Sandy Ginsburg was a true superhero -- an indomitable fighter, devoted wife, mother, beloved friend, and community stalwart.
She tackled life with unbounded energy and enthusiasm, and at every turn, sought to make the world a better, more beautiful place. Despite being dealt a cruel hand - losing her mother to breast cancer at age 13, and later, as an adult, being diagnosed with breast cancer multiple times, as well as leukemia and bladder cancer, she nonetheless persevered and achieved incredible success both personally and in the community.
Born in Denver, Colorado on Thursday, November 30, 1939, Sandy grew up an only child and motherless from her teen years onward. A gifted student, she skipped third grade and graduated high school at age 17. She went on to the University of Michigan where she received her Bachelors, Masters, and Ph .D. in English Literature. In 1966, she took a job as a newspaper reporter in Washington, D.C. On a blind date arranged by a mutual friend, she met Ron Ginsburg, an attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice. Ron and Sandy fell in love and married in 1968. With Sandy’s family in Denver, and Ron an outdoor enthusiast, the two moved out West where Ron accepted a job as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Eventually, the couple settled in Albuquerque where they had one child, Sarah.
Sandy and Ron quickly developed a love affair with New Mexico - its rich culture, the warmth of its residents, the world class art scene, and the southwestern cuisine. Ron built his law practice, while Sandy worked as an assistant for UNM’s Political Science Department. Sandy also volunteered for various organizations and groups including the local and national chapters of Women’s American ORT (holding local and national leadership positions), Hadassa and Temple Albert. In 1975, she founded the New Mexico Coalition for Literacy, and remained president for 12 years. In 1998, the organization recognized her hard work with its “Woman on the Move” Award. Enamored by art and artists and all things beautiful, Sandy spent many years working in various capacities for the New Mexico Arts and Crafts Fair, including serving as president multiple times. She also spent many years working for the Albuquerque Museum of Art.
After her first cancer diagnosis in 1987, Sandy’s interests turned towards volunteering for cancer causes. She served for many years on the board of People Living Through Cancer (PLTC), a grassroots support group for cancer patients, survivors and their families. Sandy later founded Cancer Support Now (CSN) and served as president for many years and worked tirelessly planning and running the People’s Living Through Cancer Awards and later on the Cancer Support Now Awards which recognized exceptional cancer caregivers in the community. CSN’s greatest gift was to broaden the spectrum of cancer related services and to raise awareness of treatment options throughout New Mexico, including its Native American communities. Sandy also spent 15 years working as Board Secretary for the Albuquerque WHEELS Museum.
In addition to community activism, Sandy was passionate about food and cooking. She was an inveterate chef and even founded her own cooking company where she taught cooking lessons out of her home. Sandy enjoyed travel and seeing the world. Ron and Sarah can attest to her many “March or Die” trips where idling was never permitted.
Sandy is a true inspiration. She accomplished so much, which alone is amazing, and yet she did it while enduring so many health challenges, hospitalizations, chemotherapies, radiations, and multiple surgeries, which makes her that much more exceptional. Sandy rarely garnered praise or recognition for all her efforts. She let others have the spotlight whenever possible. She was a motivator and peacemaker among the diverse interests in her volunteer organizations, setting the example and patiently leading members forward toward their common goals. Her gentle approach achieved an enduring legacy benefiting everybody.
While her incredible journey has ended, the memory of her kind, generous and loving heart will always be with us.
Sandy is survived by her devoted husband of 53 years, Ron; her daughter, Sarah and her husband, Craig Labovitz; and their son, Mark. A private graveside service was held on Friday, April 2, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at Fairview Memorial Park. Due to the pandemic, there will be no shiva. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made in Sandy’s name to: Cancer Support Now – www.cancersupportnow.org
Please visit our online guestbook for Sandy at www.FrenchFunerals.com.