Obituary: Sandra Isenberg Abrams

Sandra “Sandy” Isenberg Abrams, real estate professional, philanthropist, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed away Aug 7, 2026, at the age of 89.

For more than six decades, Sandy was part of the fabric of Atlanta. She had an extraordinary ability to connect with people from every part of her life, and the relationships she formed through politics, real estate, philanthropy, friendship, and family often lasted a lifetime.

Sandra Joan Isenberg was born in Augusta, Ga., on Dec. 27, 1936, to Joseph and Edith Isenberg. She was the eldest child and the last surviving of three siblings, predeceased by her beloved Rosalyn “Rozzie” Isenberg and Marvin “Bubba” Isenberg, of blessed memory.

She graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Arts in journalism in 1958. Sandy was the president of Delta Phi Epsilon and developed some of her closest relationships during college. After college, she worked in Jacksonville, Fla. for a local newspaper.

In October of 1960, she attended the wedding of Sylvia and Myron Fogel, of blessed memory, where she met the love of her life, Davis Abrams. Dave and Sandy were married on June 25, 1961. They celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on June 25, 2026, surrounded by their family, which was the center of Sandy’s life.

Sandy’s early career placed her at the center of Georgia’s political and civic life. From 1963 to 1967, she served as social secretary to Betty Foy Sanders, wife of Gov. Carl Sanders, organizing official receptions, state functions, and events that brought together Georgia’s political and community leaders. It was a role particularly suited to Sandy, who possessed a natural warmth, an ease with people, and a gift for making everyone feel welcome.

Those years began a lifetime of involvement in the causes and institutions that shaped the city she loved. She was especially devoted to Atlanta’s Jewish community, generously supporting The Auxiliary of the William Breman Jewish Home, Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, and other efforts central to Jewish life, education, and social services. For Sandy, giving back was not something to be recognized for; it was simply part of how she lived.

In 1972, she began what would become a remarkable career in residential real estate. As an associate broker with Harry Norman, REALTORS, she became a familiar and respected presence in Atlanta, particularly in Buckhead, helping generations of families buy and sell their homes.

Her success came not simply from knowing Atlanta real estate, but from knowing Atlanta — and knowing people. Clients became friends, friends became clients, and many families returned to her across multiple generations. Her career was honored with the Platinum Phoenix Award from the Atlanta REALTORS Association, recognizing more than half a century in the profession.

She is survived by her husband, Dave Abrams; her daughters, Alison Schneider (Jason) and Julie Rosenblum (Jeff); her grandchildren, Adam Schneider (Isabelle), Sophie Gutwillig (Alex), Caroline Schneider, Jenna Rosenblum, and Joseph Rosenblum; her great-grandson, Abrams Bennett Schneider, who carries her family name and is the son of Adam and Isabelle Schneider; and her beloved grand-dogs, Daisy, Lou, and Kirby.

Sandy spent her life helping people find homes in Atlanta. Her greater gift was the way she created a sense of home and community wherever she went. She will be deeply missed, and the relationships and traditions she built will carry her memory forward for generations.

A memorial service was held at 3 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026, at Ahavath Achim Synagogue, 600 Peachtree Battle Avenue NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30327.

Shiva followed the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Sandy’s memory be made to The Auxiliary of the William Breman Jewish Home, Ahavath Achim Synagogue, or the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta.