Joy Weiss entered into rest on October 9, 2018 in her Saratoga home while surrounded by her family.  Joy was born in Guiderock, Nebraska on November 29, 1934.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Orville and Berniece Mitchell of Oakland, California, husband Robert (Bob) P. Weiss of Saratoga, CA, and her brother Kenny Mitchell, of Santa Clara, CA. She loved and inspired her children Lane (Teri), Jeri, and Gini.  She adored her grandchildren: Amrie DeFrates (Matt), Skyler Joy Mendoza (Tito), Jayten Weiss, and Callan Weiss; Matt Barnes, Lauren Loli (Flavio), and Hallie Barnes; Robert and Kyle Huber (deceased); as well as her great-grandchildren:  Chloe Joy, Savannah, Brielle, and coming soon great-granddaughter Mendoza; and Camden DeFrates.  She was sister in-law to Joan Mitchell and aunt to Mike Mitchell (Sue), Shelli Kearns (John), and Dennis Mitchell (deceased).

Joy was a true angel of joy to all she touched with her love, optimism, positive energy, and passion for life and people.  Her love of children served as a foundation and beacon of light for her 50+ years in education.

Guiderock, Nebraska was the place of her birth and early childhood years.  In 1941, she moved to Oakland, California where she graduated from high school in 1953.  She attended San Jose State University where she met her husband of 60+ years, Robert Weiss.  She received her B.A degree and teaching credential at San Jose State University in 1957.  In 1979 she completed her M.A degree and administrative credential, also at SJSU.

Her teaching career began in the Cupertino Union School District (West Valley Elementary School).  Joy worked magic with children – inspiring them to love learning and to believe in themselves.  After several years of teaching, she was recruited to work in the school district office, which was followed by 15+ years as an elementary school principal (Garden Gate, Regnart).  In the early 1980's, as principal, she led her school to earn one of the first Blue Ribbon Distinguished Schools awards, which included a White House Rose Garden ceremony with the President of the United States.  Shortly thereafter, she was a special guest on the TV program "Good Morning, America" and challenged U.S. Secretary of Education William Bennett to visit her school to see what excellence looks like.  Secretary Bennett took her up on the offer, and traveled to Cupertino to find that Joy could back up her description of her school.  First Lady Barbara Bush visited Joy and her staff and students at Regnart elementary school.  Both ladies were incredibly proud and happy with this visit!  Joy was an educational innovator and cutting edge implementer of several programs:  the cadre organizational development structure in the Cupertino School District; she led the implementation of educational technology in classrooms; partnerships included Apple Computer, MIT, Computer Using Educators (CUE), and several other blooming silicon valley companies and organizations; The Child Development Project (CDP) which was the forerunner of the current Social Emotional Learning movement in education.  Joy was recognized and received a prestigious award in the early 1980's as Silicon Valley's Woman of the Year for exemplary and influential leadership.  Joy served on the board of the Timpany Center for many years at SJSU.

Joy taught at San Jose State University and Santa Clara University.  One summer, with her husband Robert, she taught education administration and a master's degree program to graduate students in Saipan.

Joy found time to support her children while engaged in a robust professional career.  She was a Cub Scout leader, Girl Scout leader, girls' softball manager of two championship teams and founder of the first girls' softball league in the Santa Clara Valley, volunteer, and she attended multiple music concerts, sporting events, and anything her children were involved in.  Additionally, she made home cooked meals, birthday cakes, and many special treats enjoyed by the whole family.

Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were precious treasure to her—she read stories, played, sang, went on shopping trips, attended birthday parties, graduations, concerts, and more!  The "Arnold House" was a special place, where lifelong memories were built!  She was always equipped with a smile, a camera, and a full load of jewelry.

Joy showed care, love, and generosity to all, and could make a person feel special, important, and loved.

She loved nature, the beach, Hawaii, travel, shopping, jewelry, music, the arts, movies, television, eating out, and inspirational books.  Her fanatical love of the San Jose State Spartans (Football/Basketball), San Francisco Giants, and the Golden State Warriors was a "joy" to watch as she cheered and could recite an amazing array of statistics and facts,

Joy's legacy lives on through her family.  Her love, dedication, loyalty, and energy made her an exceptional angel who made her imprint on the hearts of family, friends, and those who had the privilege of knowing her.

Joy demonstrated the power of love, inspiration, positive thinking, and joy each day.

We are forever grateful to have had the gift of Joy in our lives!

On Friday, October 19 ^th , we will be celebrating Joy and taking time to honor her.  Family and Friends are invited to attend.

Graveside service: 2:30pm – Madronia Cemetery, 14766 Oak Street, Saratoga, CA

Celebration of Life Reception and Dinner: 4:00pm – Saratoga Country Club, 21990 Prospect Road,

Saratoga, CA

Arrangements:  Alameda Family Funeral & Cremation – 12341 Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road, Saratoga, CA