Zelda "Joy" Collas

Birth date: Jan 15, 1932 Death date: Apr 3, 2024

Zelda “Joy” Collas embraced and lived life to its fullest. It was a life filled with adventure, travels, and a love of learning, teaching, family, and friends. She was a voracious reader and writer which in retirement gave her imm Read Obituary

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Iggygirl's Baller's Club

1w ago

I was looking through obituaries and something told me to put in joy Collas. This woman was like a mother to me. I am sad as I type this because at 58 years old im taking my last 6 classes I promised her that I would complete my BA and invite her to the ceremony. Im sad right now. All the years I remember her dedication and encouraging me always to be better. I can hear her voice telling me wonderful stories of literature and her personal stories. This woman was exceptional!! I recall taking late classes at Tri- c and coming pass the access office only to find her after hours helping students. I recall her driving down to KSU, to eat lunch with me, put 100.00 dollars in my hand and tell me never to leave and not tell someone where you are. I remember telling her I was a gay woman and her hugging and kissed me saying who cares I still love you. I miss her. In this moment I just miss her.

Lesley-Ann Brown

24w ago

I met Joy at a writers retreat in MN. It was in the mid 90s and she and I immediately became fast acquaintances. Throughout the years, we corresponded and she always kept in touch. When I returned to the States from Denmark with my new baby, she met with us at my family’s and took us on a drive back to New York I’ll never forget. I’ve thought about Joy throughout the years, about the stories she wrote about her aunts and the village in Eastern Europe they hailed from. How when we first met she was reading Ulysses and would give me updates, her reflections. She was a brilliant and talented woman. Rest in power, Joy Zelda Collas ❤️🦋🪷

Patricia Bussert

69w ago

Joy Collas, the unstoppable whirlwind of tales and triumphs, finally hit pause at a whopping 92! With enough stories to rival a library's collection, she soared through life like a bilingual bird, chirping in Spanish and savoring every sonnet like it was chocolate cake. Classical music was her jam, but ask her about plays and poetry—oh boy, you'd better settle in with a cuppa because she'd weave existential musings into the conversation like a pro.
Joy wasn't just a storyteller; she was the maestro of melodrama, the matriarch of twins Sara and Nora, and let's not forget Pito, the family's resident artiste (who probably inherited Joy's flair for the dramatic). Her love for books was matched only by her love for life itself. Ah, Joy, you were indeed a special kind of gal—a literary luminary with a zest for the profound and a knack for making every day an epic chapter. Here's to you, Joy, may your next adventure be as awe-inspiring as the last!

Flo Cathey

70w ago

My aunt's love of writing and appreciation for art were a constant inspiration for me. I looked forward to those crocodile cards to mark the changing days. She also knew I loved flowers and would be sure to include those in the mix. She was a unique lady.

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