Joy Malakoff July 19, 1936 - October 27, 2023
Miami Beach, Florida - Joy Van Wye Malakoff, a beloved pillar of the Miami Beach community and devoted matriarch, passed peacefully away on October 27, surrounded by the warmth and love of her family. Born on July 19, 1936, in Chicago, her childhood was split between the suburban tranquility of Cedarhurst, NY, and the warm, sandy shores of Miami Beach at her grandparents’ home.
Her educational journey blossomed at Beach High, sharing classrooms with the man who would later become the love of her life, Fred Malakoff. Joy’s lifelong love of learning then led her to Radcliffe College, where she made the Dean’s List.
It was during her college years that Joy took a bold detour, embarking on an unforgettable journey to Japan. This adventure marked a significant turn in her life’s path, eventually bringing her back to New York. There, at the tender age of 21, she embraced motherhood, welcoming her children Mari, then David, and later Mark into the world.
A decade after her return to America, Joy made the fulltime move to Miami Beach, fulfilling her mother Bea’s long-held vision. Beatrice Van Wye, a gifted artist, had predicted that Joy would eventually raise her family in the very house that once belonged to her grandparents.
Joy’s life took a romantic turn when she reconnected with her high school sweetheart, Fred Malakoff, at a reunion. A cruise together rekindled their connection, leading Fred to propose and setting the stage for over 25 years of cherished marriage. Together, they built a life full of shared memories, standing as a testament to a love reconnected and a life welllived in the heart of Miami Beach.
After retiring from a 32 year career as a banking executive, Joy dedicated herself to public service in Miami Beach, leaving an indelible mark as a city commissioner and as the affectionately named “Queen of Miami Beach.”
Her campaign’s rallying cry, “Bring Joy Back to the Beach,” poignantly foreshadowed her indelible and uplifting impact on the community and its residents.
Joy played a pivotal role in major city projects such as the forthcoming five-acre greenspace at Ocean Terrace, expanded bicycle lanes and cultural centers on Washington Avenue, and the prominent renovation of the Convention Center; additionally, she was instrumental in saving the old City Hall and the Carl Fisher Clubhouse while serving on the Historic Preservation Board.
Joy tirelessly served as the president of many civic boards, including the Miami Beach Planning Board, the Zoning Commission, and the Taxpayers Association, as well as Chair of the Land Use Committee and the Finance and Budget Committee.
Beyond politics, Joy was passionate about promoting Miami Beach’s diversity, culture, arts, and accessibility for all. She served on the Dade County Community Relations Board, spearheading diversity initiatives. She was a key figure in the restoration of the Colony Theatre, creating a home for Miami New Drama. Her leadership extended to the arts as she chaired the Advisory Boards of institutions such as the Wolfsonian, the Bass Museum, the Miami Design Preservation League, the New World Symphony, and the Miami Beach Botanical Gardens.
In recognition of her selfless service, she received numerous prestigious awards, including the Key to the City of Miami Beach, the Miami Beach Chamber Past Pillar Diamond Palm Chairman Trustee Award, the Breaking The Glass Ceiling Award, the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Alumni Award, the Miami Beach Mayor’s Shining Light Award, South Florida Magazine’s “Woman of Distinction” Award, Kiwanis Club’s “Distinguished President” Award, and many more.
Joy leaves behind a profound legacy of love, community, and dedication. She is survived by her loving husband Fred Malakoff, her children Mari Alschuler, David Alschuler, and Mark Van Wye, and her adored grandson, Meyer Van Wye. Her spirit will forever resonate in Miami Beach—in the vibrant blossoms of her gardens, the green initiatives she championed across the city, and in the hearts and memories of her family, her lifelong friends, and the community she so dearly loved.
A celebration of her life will be held at Temple Beth Sholom in Miami Beach on Tuesday, October 31 at 2 pm, where friends and family are welcome to share their memories of Joy. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to the New World Symphony or to Temple Beth Sholom.