Juanette Joy Baysa

Juanette Joy Baysa, beloved sister, aunt, cousin, fur-mama, mentor, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2025, at the age of 79. Throughout her life, Juanette touched countless hearts with her kindness, compassion, and enduring spirit of Aloha.

Born and raised in Santa Maria, California, to Juan Fontanilla Baysa and Joy Marie Geiger, Juanette spent her formative years on the Central Coast and in Nevada. She is survived by her sisters, Jeanette Baysa (Katherine Patton) and Joannette Baysa Fong (Don); her nieces, Bryanna Fong Arroyo (Julian) and Carissa Fong; her grand-niece, Ysabella Fong Arroyo; and numerous aunts, cousins and godchildren.

Juanette’s father immigrated to California, while many of his siblings made their homes in Hawaii. As a result, Juanette spent many summers in Hawaii with her aunts, uncles, and cousins. It was there her love for the ‘āina, her spirit of Aloha, and her passion for hula began. She co-founded a Polynesian dance group in Fresno, which continues to thrive under the leadership of her former students. In 1983, she moved to Hawai‘i, where she honed her skills, dancing competitively for Halau Ka Pa Hula Hawai‘i under Kumu Hula Kaha‘i (John) Topolinski.

Juanette’s creativity knew no bounds. She graduated from Fresno State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1968 and embarked on a career in commercial art, specializing in fashion illustration. She worked for various art and clothing companies in California and Oklahoma throughout the 1970s and early 1980s. In 1984, after moving to Hawaii, she founded her graphic design business, J.B. DesignWorks. Juanette’s artistic talents extended beyond her professional work; she lovingly created themed invitations, wedding programs, origami cranes, quilts, and floral lei for her family and friends.

Juanette’s compassion extended to all living things. She was a devoted fur-mama and animal lover, known for her gentle care of pets and even the smallest creatures—she delighted in feeding mangoes to the geckos that visited her home, treating them as cherished guests.

In the late 1990s, Juanette moved to Coos Bay, Oregon, where she began apprenticing as a carousel animal carver. As her skills grew, she hand carved a carousel-sized honu (Hawaiian sea turtle) for one of her goddaughters, further inspiring her vision for the ‘Carousel of Aloha’—a project celebrating the animals and flowers of the Hawaiian Islands, designed to educate and delight people of all ages.

Throughout her creative journey, Juanette built a devoted community of colleagues and lifelong friends. It is this community that will carry forward her work, honoring her legacy with the same care and heart she gave to all her endeavors. Juanette was truly the embodiment of Aloha, leaving behind a legacy of love.

A celebration of her life will be held on Sunday, August 31, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Onekahakaha Beach Park in Hilo. Family and friends are invited to gather throughout the day to share memories, and continue to “talk story.”

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Paradise Ponies, Inc. Mail to P.O. Box 1030 Kurtistown HI 96760.