Ila Galanti

A Century of Love: The Life and Legacy of Ila Greenberg Galanti

Ila Greenberg Galanti, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother (“Nana”), aunt, daughter, and friend to many, passed away peacefully on August 2, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. She was 100 years old.

Born on October 16, 1924, in The Bronx, New York, Ila was the beloved middle child of Anna and Morris Greenberg. Her Jewish faith and her unwavering devotion to family were the cornerstones of her life.

In 1945, after a blind first date that included a Frank Sinatra performance, Ila met and soon married the love of her life, Isaac Rabeno Galanti. Their 66-year marriage was filled with devotion, laughter, resilience, and a legacy of family traditions and stories that endure to this day.

A dedicated homemaker, Ila’s greatest joy came from nurturing her large, loving family and being an integral part of her close-knit Sephardic community. As “Nana,” she rarely missed a milestone—whether it was a birthday, graduation, or ballgame. Her deep commitment extended to Congregation Or VeShalom, where she served as Sisterhood President, was a founder of the annual Hanukkah Bazaar, and was always an enthusiastic participant in the High Holiday mitzvot auction. She was also extremely involved in ORT and Hadassah, volunteering countless hours in the community over the years.

Ila was the heart of her family—selfless, spirited, and steadfast. She had a remarkable way of making people feel seen and loved, and wasn’t afraid to offer her opinion if she thought it might help (and she usually did). Her fun-loving nature and warm presence made her someone everyone wanted to be around—and emulate.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Anna and Morris Greenberg; her beloved husband, Isaac Rabeno Galanti; her siblings, Edythe Rosenfeld (Irving) and Sheldon Greenberg (Carole); and her brother and sister in laws: Benny (Ruth), Regina Cohen (Melvin), Morris (Rachel), Sam (Ann).

She leaves behind a profound legacy of love and light. Ila is survived by her children: Randy (Janet) of Atlanta, Jeff (Jeannie) of Ellijay, and Lori Brenner (Scott) of Suffern, NY; twelve grandchildren: Todd (Julia), Christy Nash (Gates), Jeremy (Nicki), Eric (Allison), Tiffany Holtzman (Rick), Adam and Molly Brenner; and ten great-grandchildren: Stella, Ileana, Jaron, Morgan, Graham, Jackson, Braden, Alaira and Soren Nash, and Juliette Holtzman . She is also survived by a large extended family of cousins, nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends with whom she built lasting and meaningful connections.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to her devoted Atlanta caregivers—Reshell, Dawnett, Beverly, Opal, Audria, and Juanita as well as her New York caregivers Beverley, Tamila, Inga, and Francesca—for their compassionate, dignified, and loving care.

Ila will be remembered for her sharp wit, her boundless generosity, and the way she brought people together with joy, strength, and kindness. Her memory is truly a blessing to all who knew her. 

FUNERAL: Graveside services will be held 11:00AM Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs, with Rabbi Joshua Hearshen officiating. Donations may be made in Ila’s memory to Congregation Or Ve Shalom. Arrangements by Dressler's Jewish Funeral Care, Atlanta.

The family will greet visitors at 6:00PM on Wednesday August 6 and Thursday August 7, 2025 with shiva services starting at 7:00PM at Congregation Or Ve Shalom 1681 N. Druid Hills Road Atlanta, GA 30319

RECORDING: Please click here to view the funeral service livestream recording.