Avondale official dies:
Avondale Vice Mayor Sandi Nielson died Saturday morning in her Avondale home after “a courageous battle” with the neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, according to the city. She was 62 years old.
Avondale Vice Mayor Sandi Nielson died Saturday morning in her Avondale home after “a courageous battle” with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, according to the city. She was 62. ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a neurodegenerative disease that damages nerve endings in the brain and spinal cord.
Mayor Kenn Weise said Avondale was fortunate to have Nielson serve on council.
“Sandi Nielson embodied everything that was good, and selfless, and noble in public service,” Weise said. “Whether it was at her church, or on her homeowners association and school boards, Sandi was always there to volunteer her time and talents.”
Weise will sign a declaration proclaiming Aug. 28 “Sandi Nielson Remembrance Day.”
“During the 21⁄2 years she served on the council, she left an indelible mark on the lives of all she touched,” Weise said. “I am so grateful to her and her contribution to Avondale. She will be greatly missed by all of us here at the city.”
The city plans to ask staff to wear red, the color for ALS awareness, that day, said Pier Simeri, city spokeswoman.
Nielson grew up in an Air Force family and earned high distinctions as a member of the Girl Scouts growing up. She moved to Arizona in 1976 with her husband, Curtis, and lived in Tucson and the mining town of San Manuel before settling in Avondale in 2004, according to the city.
Since 2006, Nielson served as president of her neighborhood homeowners association near Buckeye Road and Avondale Boulevard.