Dear Zabala Family - I am praying for all of you during this difficult time and sending my deepest condolences. I am sure it is no surprise to you how many lives Joy impacted, how many causes she championed, or how many people she loved and mentored. Winnie the Pooh once said, "How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard." I do indeed feel exceedingly lucky to have had Joy in my life. The ripples of her influence will continue through the legacy she built. "Spreading Joy" will forever have a more profound meaning for the people she influenced as we live out the example she set for us and continue to do the work she encouraged us to do.
What an amazing human being that has left this earth way too early. Indeed her legacy will be remembered and live on in so many. I feel honored to have crossed her path in our collective interests in AT and UDL. Prayers and peace to all of her family.
My heartfelt condolences to your family. Joy was so generous both personally and professionally. She mentored me for many years, and I can only honour her legacy by carrying on her passion for UDL, AT and SETT here in Australia. I remember the conference sessions we co-presented here in Australia and in the US, but more vividly are the memories of her friendship, opening her home to me, cooking risotto together, walks on the beach, our conversations about Calli, car trips around Florida, visiting wineries in NSW... She was Joy who brought joy! May she be forever wrapped in love.
I was so blessed to learn from Joy as I was training to complete assistive technology evals and working with my school system as a part of our team. Many students have benefited from her expertise as we utilized her methods and knowledge. What a mark she left in our field and such a beautiful passion for others. Many prayers to you for comfort and the peace that passes understanding.
What wonderful memories I have read on here! Joy was such a leader in our field - her positive personality and leadership will be sorely missed. Prayers of peace for her family.
Like so many, I am heartbroken by the loss of Joy. Today I had hoped to talk with her but instead I learned my friend had already taken flight. Even with her schedule built to change the world, Joy would find the time to talk, share, and listen - it was always a spirit lifting and life shaping experience filled with vigor, curiosity, laughter, and love. Every moment I spent with her was deeply appreciated – her personality boiling with energy, passionate dialogue, and plans to make people’s lives better. I take comfort knowing her impact and legacy is enduring and omnipresent. My deepest condolences to the family who she talked about always with pride and love – you were constantly with her no matter where she was. My heart also goes out to all of those across the globe she touched so profoundly like myself – we are all better because of her and that is a gift she left for us all to carry forward.
I am so sorry. I learned so much from Joy over the years attending her workshops and seminars that I was able to apply in my job. I am grateful to have known her. My sympathies to her family.
My heart is sad and “Joy” filled at the same time. Joy was a truly unique person who touched everyone in her path. Such a kind and generous person. She was a fabulous mentor who became a good friend. She had such a wonderful gift of language and I would often think “how would Joy phrase this” . I am so very thankful she was in my life. We will all be a little lost for awhile but her work and our memories of her will find the way to help us heal. The song I think of…
“we are family” as she treated everyone in that way!
Thank you to Adrian and family for sharing Joy with all of us. And peace to all of you.