Obituary – Death – Cause of death News : Joyce Mack, a beloved philanthropist and key figure in the development of Las Vegas, passed away at the age of 99. Arriving in the city in 1947 with her husband Jerry, Joyce witnessed the early days of Las Vegas when it was still a small desert town with fewer than 25,000 residents. Together, the Macks played a crucial role in the city’s growth, establishing the Bank of Las Vegas and financing much of the development on the iconic Las Vegas Strip.
After Jerry’s passing in 1998, Joyce continued their philanthropic efforts, particularly focusing on supporting education in Southern Nevada. She generously donated millions of dollars to UNLV, funding projects such as the legal clinic and practice court, which led to her being named a Nevada Woman of Valor in 2021.
Joyce was a strong advocate for supporting immigrants in the United States and believed in the power of education to shape society for future generations. Her dedication to philanthropy extended beyond UNLV, as she also supported organizations like the Smith Center and Opportunity Village.
In addition to her charitable work, Joyce was deeply involved in the Las Vegas Valley’s Jewish community, following in the footsteps of her father-in-law who helped establish the city’s first congregation. Her impact on Las Vegas and the lives of those around her was profound, as noted by now-U.S. Sen. Jacky Rosen, who described Joyce as a “relentless force for good.”
Joyce Mack’s legacy as a compassionate and dedicated philanthropist will continue to inspire generations to come, leaving a lasting impact on the city of Las Vegas and beyond. She will be deeply missed, but her memory will always be a blessing to those who knew her.
Philanthropist, UNLV pioneer Joyce Mack, dies at 99
Who was Joyce Mack and what was her impact on Las Vegas?
Joyce Mack was a philanthropist who arrived in Las Vegas in 1947 after meeting her future husband, Jerry, at UCLA. She believed in the magic of Las Vegas even when it was just an empty desert. Joyce Mack passed away at the age of 99, leaving behind a legacy of philanthropy and community involvement. She and her husband established the Bank of Las Vegas and played a significant role in financing the development of the Strip. Their contributions to the city’s growth and prosperity were immense, and their impact can still be felt today.
How did Joyce Mack support education in Las Vegas?
Joyce Mack was a strong advocate for education in Southern Nevada. After her husband’s death in 1998, she continued the family’s philanthropic efforts by providing millions of dollars for UNLV’s legal clinic and practice court. She was passionate about helping law students learn how to provide pro bono work to the community and believed in the importance of education as a gift to future generations. Joyce Mack’s contributions to UNLV and other educational initiatives have had a lasting impact on the community.
What was Joyce Mack’s involvement in the Jewish community in Las Vegas?
The Mack family has been deeply involved in the Las Vegas Valley’s Jewish community for many years. Jerry Mack’s father, Nate, helped found Temple Beth Sholom, the city’s first congregation, where Jerry served as president. Joyce Mack continued this legacy of community involvement by donating money for the sanctuary at Henderson’s Congregation Ner Tamid. Her support for the Jewish community in Las Vegas has been significant, and her contributions have helped strengthen and enrich the community.
How did Joyce Mack impact the lives of others through her philanthropy?
Joyce Mack’s philanthropic efforts extended beyond education and the Jewish community. She supported organizations like the Smith Center and Opportunity Village, making a positive impact on the lives of many in the Las Vegas community. Her generosity and commitment to uplifting others have left a lasting legacy of compassion and kindness. Through her philanthropy, Joyce Mack touched the lives of countless individuals and made a difference in the world around her.
What is Joyce Mack’s legacy and how will she be remembered?
Joyce Mack’s legacy is one of generosity, compassion, and dedication to making the world a better place. Her impact on Las Vegas, the Jewish community, and education will be remembered for years to come. She will be deeply missed by those who knew her, but her memory will continue to inspire others to follow in her footsteps and make a positive difference in the world. Joyce Mack’s life was a testament to the power of kindness and philanthropy, and her legacy will live on in the hearts of those she touched.
Sources: Las Vegas Sun