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ELLEN GALKIN Obituary

Ellen Sanders Galkin, a lifelong, passionate advocate for nursing and the personal, professional and political rights of women, died peacefully in New York City, February 29, 2024, at age 81, after undergoing treatment for lung cancer. Ellen earned her RN degree from Mt. Sinai Hospital School of Nursing in 1963, and later a BS from Marymount Manhattan College and an MBA from Columbia. After over a decade of clinical practice in Manhattan, Ellen transitioned to and excelled at collective bargaining and policy development for nursing. She managed the Economic and General Welfare Program at the New York State Nurses Association and served as President of the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools, Vice President of the American Nurses Association, Treasurer of the American Nurses Foundation, and US representative to the International Council of Nurses. After retiring, she joined the nurse faculty at Barry University and volunteered for the Palm Beach County League of Women Voters. Ellen was born on April 20, 1942. She was married to Richard M. Galkin for 40 years before his passing in 2019. A resident of Boca Raton, FL, she also frequently visited New York City where she maintained an apartment near Central Park. She is survived by her brother, James J. Sanders, of Belmont, MA, and nephews, Justin Sanders, Robert Sanders and Zachary Galkin in whose lives she had a big and loving presence. Ellen shared her zest for travel, cultures and the arts with friends and families making their every visit with her memorable. Ellen Sanders Galkin will be sorely missed. Private services will be held in New York City and Boca Raton, FL. Memorial donations may be made to Planned Parenthood or the League of Women Voters.

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Published by New York Times on Mar. 12, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
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Darlene Kostrub

March 19, 2024

I got to know Ellen well at League of Women Voters' luncheons and meetings. We talked often during her husband's period of illness. She was such a gracious hostess and shared her home for a beautiful holiday party for League members and friends. She will be truly missed.

Joan Cropley

March 19, 2024

Every graduate of The Mount Sinai Hospital School of Nursing received a pin engraved with Vota Vita Nostra, which I believe translates as, "Our lives dedicated" (or devoted). I did not know Ellen well, but met her at our Annual Alumnae Day in NYC. I would like to extend condolences to all of Ellen´s family.

Kathi Gundlach

March 18, 2024

Ellen was a wonderful supporter of the League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County. She graciously opened her home to use on numerous occasions. Her commitment to the League knew no bounds. Getting to know Ellen was such a pleasure and joy. She was special to all of us and will be missed. Our sympathies go out to her family and friends

Kathi Gundlach
LWVPBC

Deena Gill

March 13, 2024

My condolences to the Sanders Galkin family. I go back to when Ellen entered The Mount Sinai Hospital School of nursing. I remember her as a student on my unit where I was the assistant head nurse. Through the years I would see her at professional meetings and at our Alumnae Day yearly celebration. Ellen was a caring energetic professional and wonderful person. She will be missed.

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Vicky McDonald

Planted Trees

Vicky McDonald

March 13, 2024

It is an honor and pleasure to have known Ellen, her kindness, sense of humor and zest for life will not be forgotten. I was Ellen´s dog walker in Florida for her most precious little dog Truffles who brought joy to Ellen every single day!
Ellen and Truffles are forever in my heart and memories!

Ann Arbitman

March 12, 2024

Ann Arbitman

March 12, 2024

Ann Arbitman

March 12, 2024

Ann Arbitman

March 12, 2024

Ann Arbitman

March 12, 2024

My deepest sympathies to the Sanders/Galkin families . I met Ellen around 1970. Our husbands were childhood friends.I was able to convince her to cut her long hair short when she visited us in SF & when she met Dick at the airport he didn´t recognize her& he was very annoyed with me! Over the years our friendship grew & we loved visiting & traveling with them. Ellen was a beautiful, brilliant, caring friend. No better legacy than to say she was a lifelong, passionate advocate. I was privileged to have her in my life. Oh how I will miss her.

Al and Bonnie Albinson

March 12, 2024

Our sincere condolences to the Sanders and Galkin Families. Ellen was a long time friend. I met Ellen when we were in elementary school. We will miss her smile.

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Laraine DeFilippi andFamily

Planted Trees

Jackie Corlin

March 12, 2024

Sending love and condolences to the Sanders and Galkins. From and old Providence R.I. friend. Jackie

Arlene and David Bergman

March 12, 2024

To the family of Ellen, i want to offer my heartfelt condolences to all of you. I have lost a great friend. She was my neighbor for many years. We did alot of cultural events together without our husbands. Ellen went to Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand with my daughter and myself in 2/2023 and we had a wonderful time traveling with her. She was a doer and a goer!

Peg Graham

March 12, 2024

Some people just add to life - and Ellen was one of those people. She left behind a legacy of caring deeply about the democratic ideals of our country - not just talking about them but working hard to inspire others to also care - and then to take action. That spirit of "we can do this" inspired Ellen throughout her life. I am grateful to have had her as a friend.

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