Dolores Ziff, Patron Of The Arts, Dies At 85

Dolores Ziff, wife of Sanford Ziff and beloved philanthropist to many South Florida charities, has died at the age of 85. The mother of four boys, she passed away Tuesday from pneumonia complications at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami, surrounded by her family.

She was born in New Jersey and began life as Dolores Barwell. During World War II she enlisted in the Navy WAVES and eventually learned to fly planes and served as a gunnery instructor. Her second marriage brought her to Jamaica for 12 years where her passion for the arts began to flourish. In 1962 she played Mary Trueblood in the James Bond film, Dr. No.

Decades later, she played a small, non singing part in the Florida Grand Opera's 2007 production of Anna Karenina.

She married Sanford Ziff 15 years ago after meeting at a friend's party at The Bath Club. Dolores and Sanford Ziff have been at the top of Miami Society and charitable givers throughout their marriage. Through a hugely generous donation, the names of Sanford and Dolores Ziff adorn the Arsht Center's Ballet Opera House, home to Miami's Broadway Across America Series. Whoopi Goldberg will be playing at the Ziff on January 15th. 

Dolores Ziff was a major giver and leader to virtually every Jewish and arts related institution in South Florida. The Ziff generosity did not stop there, and along with Sanford, Dolores gave generously to charities locally and indeed throughout the world. One of her last public appearances was at the opening night of Barton G's Prelude, the restaurant and nightclub located in the Ziff Ballet Opera House at the Arsht.

In addition to her philanthropy, she will be remembered for being a fabulous party giver, her grand sense of humor, and the family and legacy she leaves behind. In addition to Sanford, she is survived by her sons Peter, Steven and Barwell. She was predeceased by her son Richard.

Her life will be celebrated at noon on January 22nd at Bal Harbour's Church By The Sea. In lieu of flowers, Mrs. Ziff requested that gifts be made to Miami's Camillus House.