Martha Aguayo Galaif

April 14, 1941 – May 2, 2021

Martha Aguayo Galaif passed away in Santa Monica at the age of 80.

Born to Phillip and Mary Aguayo in Reseda, California, Martha was the eldest of four siblings. She attended UCLA, graduating in 1960 with a B.A. in Latin American studies. She married Richard Galaif in 1972 and they made their home in Pacific Palisades.

Martha spent most of her long and successful career as a hospital administrator at Los Angeles County USC Medical Center. She first ran the Internal Medicine, Psychiatry and Pediatrics Departments before becoming the chief administrator for Women’s Hospital. Martha then went to Cedars Sinai Medical Center. There she served as the administrator of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology until her retirement.

Martha immensely enjoyed being a dedicated volunteer throughout her life. She was a member of the Board of Directors of CARES at LA County USC and supported many other organizations. A founding member of the LA County USC Arts Council, Martha was instrumental in procuring numerous artwork donations for the Medical Center’s new buildings.

Martha loved to travel. She was an avid gardener. She enjoyed classical music. Martha had a passion for politics. Martha was a beloved, admired and respected friend and wise counsel to many.

She is survived by her husband Richard Galaif of Pacific Palisades, California; her three children, Lisa LeGoater of London, England, Adam Galaif of San Diego, California, and Elizabeth Galaif of Larkspur, California, and her younger sister Nina Sorkin of Los Angeles, California.

Martha is also survived by her grandsons Alexander LeGoater, Sam Galaif, Luc Galaif and Etienne LeGoater; her nephews Ihab Elnaccash, Tarek Elnaccash and Stephen Sorkin and her niece Minna Elnaccash.

Further, Martha is survived by her grandnephew Eli Sorkin and grandnieces Meira Sorkin, Anika Sorkin, Naomi Sorkin and Laila Elnaccash; her aunts Esther Castillo, Raquel Espinosa and Sara Elkins as well as her uncle Antonio Moreno.

Martha joins her late sisters Elisa Elnaccash and Raquel Riffel.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Planned Parenthood in Martha’s name. A memorial service is planned for July 2021.