ADVERTISING
The art historian and CDU politician shaped cultural and urban policy for decades
Darmstadt. The CDU Darmstadt mourns the loss of Dr. Sissy Geiger , who passed away last Sunday at the age of 87. With her passing, the city of Darmstadt loses a figure who, like few others, shaped cultural policy, the advancement of women, and its identity
“With the death of Sissy Geiger, Darmstadt loses a woman who stood for cultural passion, tenacity, and a will to shape the city,” said Paul Georg Wandrey , chairman of the CDU Darmstadt district association. “She was outspoken when necessary, warm when it came to personal matters, and always ready to stand up for her convictions. Her perseverance has left a lasting mark on our city – visible to this day on the Mathildenhöhe .”
A voice for art, women's rights and Darmstadt's identity
Dr. Sissy Geiger was born on October 7, 1938, in Graz. After studying art history and archaeology , she received her doctorate in 1964 and moved to Darmstadt two years later with her husband, Günter Geiger . In 1972, she joined the CDU Democratic Union), became involved early on in the Women's Union , and led it from 1975 to 1993. Her goal: to make women visible in politics and to shape cultural and social issues.
From 1977 to 2006, Geiger was a member of the Darmstadt City Council , serving as deputy chair of her parliamentary group from 1990. Between 1992 and 1994, she was also a member of the German Bundestag , where she served on the Petitions Committee and the Committee on Women and Youth.
Pioneer of the Mathildenhöhe World Heritage Site
Her greatest legacy remains the Mathildenhöhe . Geiger was the first to take up the idea of UNESCO World Heritage status and submit the application to the city council – at a time when many ridiculed the project. Although her application was rejected at the time, she remained the driving force behind the project for many years.
“Without Sissy Geiger, the Mathildenhöhe would not be a World Heritage Site today. She conceived the idea, submitted the first application, and never gave up until it became a reality. She is the mother of the Mathildenhöhe World Heritage Site,” said Wandrey.
Former mayor Jochen Partsch (Greens) also acknowledged Geiger's crucial role in the creation of the World Heritage title.
Decades of commitment to culture and social issues
Besides the Mathildenhöhe, Geiger initiated numerous other projects: She founded the Friends of the Wedding Tower , the "Say Yes to the Child" , was involved in the café project in the Herrngarten , and the Friends of the City Museum . She was also instrumental in developing the "Art in Architecture" .
For her tireless commitment, she received the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany .
“Sissy Geiger was a true believer in the best sense – critical, unwavering, but always constructive,” Wandrey emphasizes. “She shaped Darmstadt culturally and personally. We will cherish her memory.”
The CDU Darmstadt thanks Dr. Sissy Geiger for her life's work. Her dedication, courage, and passion will remain an inspiration to all who are committed to this city. Our deepest sympathies go to her family and all who were close to her.
(DARMSTADT – RED/PM/CDU)
