My mother was a truly unique person. I grew up in Waterbury, CT where we had moved from Naugatuck. We grew up in the Carabettas apartment complexes in Waterbury. Mom was a zealous Christian who raised all of us with love, passion, and a deep sense of her personal faith. Jesus was as real to her as anything else in her life. We grew up independent Baptist, then we attended a non-denominational church in Wolcott until our adulthood. Mom was active in church, Bible studies, activities, as they say "when the doors are open". That's how we were raised - the church being a central part of our lives. When I grew up and started working in full time ministry, Mom was a strong encourager and was always supportive. We stayed in close contact even when, in one case, I was on the other side of the world. When I came back to Connecticut after several years overseas, Mom and Dad welcomed me back into the house until my next ministry career in Warrenton, Missouri. She welcomed my wife to be as family from the moment she met her. She loved her grandkids and always had love to give. When our family made a change and moved to Maine in fall of 2021, she looked different. She had lost weight. I noticed it but wasn't sure of the cause. It was soon after that she was diagnosed with a glioblastoma. That marked a huge change in our family. Glioblastoma patients typically live 12 to 18 months, but Mom lasted almost 2.5 years. She was a fighter and didn't allow a disease to define her. Her mom had passed away from breast cancer when I was 14. She also lived more than expected - six months instead of the three months the doctors estimated. Both my mom and her mom passed away in their sleep. Visiting my mom the last time was one of the hardest experiences of my life. Placing my hand on her head, which had shrunk as she had lost weight, and praying for her passing was a moment I'll never forget. As I walked out of the house to prepare to head home, I felt a weight like I've never experienced. I am very glad Mom is no longer in the hands of this vicious disease. It did not define her. What defined Mom was the unique, quirky, and curious personality she carried with her into the world. She would talk to anyone (anyone), and ask them about their lives (and share hers to an extreme level of detail). There were plenty of times we said "Mom!" when Mom would share details about us and our family to complete strangers. Today, I recognize that my desire to talk to complete strangers and get to know them is Mom in me. She was so interested in other people and knowing their lives. What I remember most about Mom is her faith. She loved Jesus throughout her life. She was passionate about her faith, about Scripture, theology, philosophy, and any random bit of information she could get her hands on. Mom and I had discussions about many of these things from the time I was a teenager. As I navigated my spiritual and theological journey, Mom was there and curious. She was so curious about anythings she heard (including a conspiracy theory now and then :-)). I will always remember the cabinet full of gravy we stocked up on for Y2K. Above all, my mother's enduring deposit in me was her love of Jesus. In so many ways, I carry her with me and will continue to. May she always be remembered and never forgotten.

Joy was my devoted wife for 42 years. It was not a hallmark marriage because such a thing does not exist. What joy was devoted. She loved the lord. That was one of the things that drew me to her. We raised four beautiful successful children each having their own gifts. Joy had a quirky sense of humor. She was beautiful when I saw her the first time my heart skipped the beat. She had lovely chestnut colored hair the same hair my grandmother had when she was young. At the time I was engaged to another person. The next day I broke my engagement because I knew the joy was the one that God wanted me to be with, I will miss her forever. I feel incomplete. However, I know that God needed her more than I did in the last three years of her life. She fought an enemy that was quite strong. She bought a Geo blast Thomas brain tumor. It was heartbreaking, but I saw her go through.  But I stood by her for every treatment every ride to the hospital every MRI every prescription I was there. I always said to Joy honey. This is your choice. And I supported those choices and last Monday I got a call from the hospital. And the person told me that they were sitting and talking with the nurses and they were talking about me. And they said they never saw a more devoted husband  Than I. I cried that I said to them I was just doing my job and I didn’t need any praise for it. Joy, I miss you terrible. I cry every day and I probably will for the rest of my life. You are a good soul and I hope to see you again  Cause you are now in the presence of God himself. I miss you terrible but I know God needs you more than I. God thank you for the privilege of giving me joy for 42 years. In Jesus name amen 

Joy was so passionate and grateful for everything in life; always encouraging to me when we talked and kept an excitement about her. I’ll see you after this life, Joy. You’re missed and loved…

Joy was a joy to be with. She loved Jesus and we would always share the Bible with each other. We've been friends for fourty years. She was a great friend and will always be missed. I know she's with the Lord now and having a great time there praising Him! Miss you forever Joy! Christy Hinesley

During our high school years, Joy and I dressed up as martians and  had a camera man follow us.   We pretended we were on Candid Camera. 

Best Friends in High School — with Joy and Amy

I knew this precious lady for about 2 years, which wasn’t very long, but long enough to love her and to see Jesus in her.  Her love for everyone was contagious - her name fit her perfectly!  We miss her very much, but we will see her soon - even so come, Lord Jesus!

Sending much love to the family of our beloved friend, Joy. We will miss her so much but were honored to have known and loved her!!

I wish you all many happy memories of your mom and all the fun times we have had together over the last 35 years. I’m so glad we are all friends.

Spread your wings and fly, Joy—-you’re finally free! Rest in the arms of Jesus!  Much love, Annie Crocco