Lisa Dianne Maliska, 38, of Gainesville, GA, formerly of Hayesville passed away Thursday, February 21, 2019 at her residence. She was a native of Florida, was raised in Hayesville, where she was a 1998 graduate of Hayesville High School. Lisa had attended UNCW, where she was a heptathlete. She lived in Dajiangyan, China for seven years, where she taught at Guangya School. Lisa was currently teaching English to diverse ethnic groups at Brenau University. She pursued education all of her life, obtaining various degrees from several universities. Lisa was an encourager to all and an advisor to many. She chased her dreams and pursued her passions all over the world, and encouraged others to do the same, expressing her devotion to God in everything she did.
She was the daughter of Susan Maliska and the late Paul William Maliska.
In addition to the mother, she is survived by two sisters, Sarah Niccole Maliska Woodard and husband Carl of Bluffton, SC, and Lady-Guinevere Magers and husband, Brenton of Hayesville, NC; four brothers, Thomas Beery and wife, Katie of Orlando, FL; Paul William Maliska and wife, Andrea of Arvada, CO; Jared Clark Maliska and wife Candice of Asheville, NC; and Zachary Caleb Maliska of Boone, NC; and 10 nephews, and four nieces who adored her.
The family received friends from 6-8 Monday evening, February 25, 2019 at the Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville.
A private family graveside was held at Meadow Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers were Thomas Beery, Paul, Jared, and Zachary Maliska.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Lisa Dianne Maliska to the ON Language at Brenau University, 3rd Floor, Pearce Building, 500 Washington Street SE, CB 84, Gainesville, Georgia 30501, https://www.gofundme.com/yqdaq-english-language-learning?fbclid=IwAR1olVCPpHNOfIz2E3RRHrmeKAWaRsSg4TPCbZRewTMPKOxroOAmmaJzsWQ
Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville in charge of arrangements.
Everything is free. Jesus said go free give free. Because it is from him.
Kathy
Lisa touched my life with her deep beauty as a human being.
I knew her both at Inman Perk and at Brenau University.
She is missed.
Elizabeth Chappelle
We’re so saddened to learn of Lisa’s home going as were just getting to know her at our church in Gainesville. Since my maiden name was Lisa Ann Maginnis, I called Lisa my namesake! We’d have a good laugh over that and I enjoyed her humor and sincerity. We had lunches together and shared prayer requests this past Fall. We’d planned to get together again in the new year. Would have loved it if we could have done so! She surely loved you all and expressed how much joy she received from being with her family. Sending prayers and love, Lisa Hillary, Westminster Church
Holding all of you close in my prayers
What a shining light she was and still is - “Good for her and bad for us”
And how wonderful that so much goodness came her way in the days before her departure, of her soon-to-be adventures in China and graduate studies in Virginia! BRAVO my dear friend, and Oh! how I wish I could give you one last hug!