Years after National City woman's death, Bank of America turns her money over to her sister

Five years ago, a National City woman passed away while on vacation in the Philippines, leaving behind thousands of dollars in her bank account. 

A viewer sent NBC 7 Responds an envelope filled with documents that show how, for more than two years, Maria Lucht tried to recover the money left in her sister’s bank account. 

It's never easy talking about the loss of a loved one, no matter how much time goes by. 

“I love my sister so much," Maria told NBC 7. "I miss her."

"She was the nicest person," said Maria's husband, Richard. "Just helpful and kind to the kids and a really good person."

Maria, who said her sister Lilian was like a second mom to her children, died from a terminal illness about five years ago. More than two years after her sister's death, Maria opened a letter addressed to Lilian. 

The letter from Bank of America said Lilian's account would be considered abandoned in 30 days due to a lack of activity on the account.

Maria and Richard tried to withdraw the money, explaining to the bank that Lilian had died. The couple said it was not a lot of money — a little more than $2,000 — but it was the principle. They knew it ultimately would go to the state, where it would stay at the controller’s office until it was claimed. 

Getting the money was not easy, however, since the bank required the Luchts to provide a consular report of a death abroad from the Philippines, among other documents. 

“It was so frustrating," Richard said. "I understand there are rules and laws that banks have to abide by, but we had so much other proof besides this document from the embassy. I thought that would be sufficient." 

Maria said she had Richard type up a letter to NBC 7 Responds. As soon as we received it, we contacted the Bank of America.

“I think that same day the bank called, and they said, 'Oh, you’re all set. We’re going to send you the check,' ” Richard said.

Maria told NBC 7 that the money recovered from the bank will go to what her sister intended before her passing.

“Our house ... in the Phillipines, the roof is leaking," Maria said. "My sister wanted to fix it a long time ago. Now I have the money to fix it," Maria said. 

"That goes a long way in the Phillipines," Richard said.

Maria eventually received a check from BOA for $2,147.46.

Bank of America told NBC 7 that it was “glad to resolve the matter with our client’s family” and that they have protocols in place for situations like Maria's, though they did not say if they made an exception to the policy of requiring the embassy documents they had asked for. 

“My sister is going to be happy now,” Maria said.

In California, Lilian's was what's considered a small estate, defined as less than $184, 500. So Maria only needed to attest the Luchts were the heirs to avoid needing to go through probate court.