Heaven got a new angel today - The Angel of Tahoe

Lisa Maloff passed away Thursday morning at the age of 93. The tributes started flowing within the hour as the news of her passing reached people throughout the South Shore of Lake Tahoe.

Lisa was special.

Lisa was the Angel of Tahoe.

Lisa gave away over $40 million to numerous recipients, the first major donation of $15 million going to Barton Health for the Robert Maloff Center for Orthopedics & Wellness. As they heard of her passing Thursday, Barton placed pink carnations (Lisa's favorite) through its healthcare facilities. They also shared a quote from someone who benefited from the Robert Maloff Center:

“When a butterfly flaps its wings the effect is said to be global. When the Angel of Tahoe takes flight, the effect is brilliant and local. Mrs. Lisa Maloff, Angel Extraordinaire, thank you. Your generosity has had a profound and direct impact on my life…” - Suzanne (Zan) Floyd

"The Robert Maloff Center, housing the Barton Center for Orthopedics & Wellness is a testament to the Maloff’s hope for a healthy and vibrant Lake Tahoe community. Their contribution and vision for the Center have changed people’s bodies, minds, and ultimately their lives," said Barton CEO and President, Dr. Clint Purvance.

Another large donation of Lisa's that will be part of her legacy was the funds to build the $5.8 million Lisa Maloff University Center on the Lake Tahoe Community College campus.

“There is no one who has donated as generously to Lake Tahoe Community College and its students as Lisa," said Nancy Harrison, executive director of LTCC Foundation and College Partnerships/LMUC. "She truly has been our angel and a real champion for the power of education made accessible to all. The opportunities she has made possible at LTCC would not have happened without her support, and we are truly in awe of her and what she has done for our students and town. Our deepest condolences to her loved ones during this difficult time.”

"Mrs. Maloff’s generosity has brought so much to our campus. She has inspired others to give as well, allowing LTCC to open the doors wider to higher education for even more people whose lives are now richer for it. We wish her family solace, peace, and love at this difficult time," added Dr. Michelle Risdon, LTCC vice president of Academic Affairs.

Lisa enjoyed making a difference, but perhaps her greatest joy came from the children at the Boys and Girls Club of Lake Tahoe. She donated $3 million to build their new clubhouse which is named in her honor, the Angel of Tahoe building. She also was the hostess of many end-of-summer parties at the club.

"Lisa's legacy will live on in the children and families that she has impacted so positively," said Jude Wood, executive director of the Boys & Girls Club. "Lisa gave so much to this community. We will be eternally grateful that the Boys and Girls Club was one of her beneficiaries. We would not have realized our dream of a home of our own without her."

The City of South Lake Tahoe was also blessed with her donations of funds to support the South Lake Tahoe Police K9 Units with the purchase of two dogs for the department and their bulletproof vests. She also donated the funds for a new fire boat.

“We have lost our Angel of Tahoe today," said South Lake Tahoe Mayor Devin Middlebrook. "But while she may be gone physically, her presence and spirit will continue to be felt every day. In 2019, we renamed Airport Road to Lisa Maloff Way to honor her legacy for years to come. Each time you visit City Hall and the Airport, take a moment as you turn onto Lisa Maloff Way to remember this extraordinary woman and the indelible impact she leaves on our community.”

In recognition of the passing of Mrs. Maloff, City Manager Joe Irvin ordered City flags to be flown at half-staff until sunset Wednesday, August 3.

Mrs. Maloff earned her name, "The Angel of Tahoe," when Dr. Virginia Berry visited Lisa at her home.

"I went over to her house to talk about a donation to TYFS (Tahoe Youth and Family Services) and asked her about her history. She told me about the time she spent in the orphanage after the liberation of the concentration camps. There was a wealthy woman who would come to the orphanage at Christmas time and hand out presents that were wrapped with bright bows. The children called her 'The Angel.' At that point, I told her, 'Well you, Lisa, are the Angel of Tahoe.' That got a big smile out of her. That's when I decided to use the Angel of Tahoe as the theme for the Christmas party that she sponsored," said Virginia. "I will miss her dearly. I can't think of another community member who has had a bigger impact on South Lake Tahoe. Fly free, Angel of Tahoe."

After that meeting, Lisa put on her Mrs. Claus outfit and greeted local children with Christmas gifts at the annual TYFS Christmas Party for youth in need in the community.

Other donations Mrs. Maloff has made in the community: $2.5M to Whittell High School for a new football field and track, $100,000 to Tahoe Arts Project, $100,000 to the South Lake Tahoe Senior Center, and $100,000 to FEET, $175,000 to the Tahoe Women's Community Fund, $100,000 to Tahoe Magic, $50,000 to the new Ski Run Park, and tens of thousands to TYFS, Live Violence Free, Lake Tahoe Historical Society, South Lake Tahoe Police Dept, South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue, Lake Tahoe Shining Stars, Tahoe Douglas Fire, local schools and numerous other nonprofits in the South Lake Tahoe area.

Lisa Maloff will be missed. Our thoughts are with her friend and companion Ricky Reich, her caregiver until her passing, along with her family and friends. The Angel of Tahoe may no longer be here with us, but she will forever be part of our community.