Joy Pacuri Diaz

In Loving Memory of Joy Pacuri Diaz

June 21, 1983 – August 19, 2026

Joy Pacuri Diaz, lovingly called “Joytot” by her siblings and sometimes affectionately known as “Baldag,” was born on June 21, 1983, in Makati, Philippines. She spent her childhood and growing-up years in Las Piñas, where she grew up surrounded by family and formed the relationships that would remain important throughout her life.

Joy married Dave Clark Diaz, the man she deeply loved and shared many chapters of her life with. Together, they were blessed with two children, Keanne Dwayne Diaz and Kayela Denise Diaz. Her children were at the center of her world. One of her greatest wishes was to see them finish their studies and build a good future. Even during the most difficult moments of her illness, she continued to hold on and fight for them.

To her nieces and nephews, she was lovingly known as “Mama Joy.” To her siblings, she was their beloved “Joytot.” She was more than an aunt or sister; she was a source of comfort, guidance, and support. Whenever her siblings needed help, especially during difficult financial times, Joy was someone they could turn to. She gave generously and helped whenever she could, often putting the needs of the people she loved before her own.

Joy had a particularly special bond with her father, Vidal Pacuri. Whenever she had a problem, Papa Vidal was her refuge and the person she would turn to. Even after his passing, she continued to visit him and share her problems with him, a reflection of the deep love and connection they shared.

Joy was known by her family and friends as masayahin, sweet, mabait, at malambing. She had a lively personality and a warm, loving heart. She loved going out, spending time with the people she loved, eating samgyup, and cooking for her family. Her adobo, sinigang, and buttered shrimp became part of the memories that her loved ones will forever cherish.

Joy treasured the simple moments of life. She found happiness in sharing meals, going out, having conversations, and enjoying samgyup with family. To her friends and neighbors, she was someone who brought laughter and warmth. Many remember her as a sweet and cheerful person who made people feel comfortable and loved, and whose friendship became like family.

What made Joy truly special was the way she made people feel loved. She was the person her family could call, the sister her siblings could depend on, and the “Mama Joy” her nieces and nephews could always count on. Her generosity came from a genuine desire to help the people she loved. Her kindness, laughter, and loving presence became part of the lives of many people, and those memories will remain with them.

Joy faced cancer with extraordinary strength and courage. She fought, endured, and held on for as long as she could. Her family knew how deeply she wanted to live, especially for Keanne and Kayela. She wanted to see her children grow, finish their studies, and have the future she dreamed of giving them. She passed away peacefully on August 19, 2026, in Canada (August 20, 2026 in the Philippines), leaving behind a family and community who loved her deeply.

Her Legacy

Joy’s life was defined by love—for her children, her husband, her parents, her siblings, her nieces and nephews, and the many friends who became family. She will be remembered as a loving mother, devoted wife, caring daughter, generous sister, beloved “Mama Joy,” and a friend who brought joy wherever she went.

Although her life was cut short, the love she gave was never small. It lives on in Keanne and Kayela, in the family she cared for, in the meals she lovingly prepared, in the laughter she shared, and in the countless memories she created with the people around her.

Joy, you fought with incredible strength and courage. We know how much you wanted to stay, how much you wanted more time with your children and the people you loved. It is difficult to say goodbye, but we find comfort in knowing that you no longer have to suffer.

You will always be our Joytot, our Baldag, our Mama Joy, our sister, our friend, and a beautiful part of our lives. We love you, we will miss you, and we will never forget you.

Pahinga ka na, Joy. You fought long enough. You are deeply loved. ❤️