Former Mayor of Barnet and Councillor, Eva Greenspan
Cllr Tony Vourou, The Worshipful the Mayor of Barnet, has led tributes to Cllr Eva Greenspan, councillor for the Finchley Church End ward who passed away at the weekend (Saturday 11 January).
First elected in 1990, Cllr Greenspan gave nearly four decades of public service, including serving as Mayor in 2006-7 during which time she raised £250,000 for Barnet charities. In July 2024, Cllr Greenspan was recognised with a long service award.
Cllr Greenspan served in roles including Chair of Planning during her decades of service. She was a governor for five schools, contributing to the strategic direction of educational institutions and striving to provide quality education for all students. Her governorship roles spanned more than 30 years.
She was trustee of multiple housing associations and worked to ensure affordable and quality housing was available to those in need. Recently, she started a charity called Kosher School Meals. She was Chairman of the Barnet Ramat Gan, strengthening ties and fostering collaboration between Barnet and its twin city, Israel’s Ramat Gan.
The Worshipful Mayor of Barnet, Cllr Tony Vourou, said:
“Cllr Eva Greenspan is remembered for her remarkable legacy serving our community with unwavering dedication. As a councillor and former Mayor, Cllr Eva Greenspan was a beacon of leadership, integrity, and compassion, leaving an indelible mark on our borough.
“Beyond her professional achievements, Eva was known for her kindness and approachability. She took the time to listen to the concerns of local residents, always striving to find solutions that benefited all.
“I, along with the Mayoress and the Mayoral Office, express our sadness of the news of Eva’s passing and give our condolences to her family and wish them long life.”
Conservative Group Leader, Cllr Peter Zinkin, said:
“Since her first election in 1990, Eva has served the residents of her wards and the wider Barnet community unstintingly.
“Eva was a stalwart of Barnet Council and Barnet Conservatives. She was a fiercely dedicated councillor in Finchley who would not allow ill health to prevent her from serving her residents. She was constantly active and finding new ways to improve
“There’s only one Eva Greenspan and her passing will leave a hole in the hearts of many of us. Eva was nothing short of exceptional! May her name be a blessing.”
Barnet Council Leader and Leader of the Barnet Labour Group, Cllr Barry Rawlings said:
“Eva was a formidable member of the council and a strong voice for her residents and the community, serving them with tenacity and vigour. Her long service award was well deserved as recognition of her contribution to the civic life of Barnet over many decades. She will be sorely missed.”
Eva is survived by her children Natalie, Stephanie and Jason, as well as numerous grandchildren and a great-grandchild.
Tributes will be paid formally at Full Council on 28 January, which will be followed by a one-minute silence.