Born in Cebu, Philippines, on March 31, 1968, she was named Elfajoy, a combination of the names of her parents, Emile Labuga and Filomena Apao, who chose the unique acronym to express adoration for their firstborn child.
Later, she simply went by Joy, which was a fitting reflection of her outlook and wonderment on life. Joy found happiness in easy pleasures, including animals, family gatherings, and travel.
She grew up in New York City and then, in the early 80’s, moved to Houston and graduated from Alief Hastings High School in 1988. After graduation, Joy developed a service mindset and pursued jobs in retail, customer support, as a nursing aide, and veterinarian tech.
She was grateful for the opportunity to visit her family in the Philippines, where she enthusiastically immersed herself in the culture, natural beauty, food, and people of her heritage.
Joy is survived by parents, Emile and Mena Labuga, brother Earl Labuga, sister-in-law Jennifer Pascoe, and niece Grace Alejandra. She will be missed by her extended friends and family in the US and the Philippines.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals).
Visitation will be held at Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home, 12800 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77077, on April 10, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
A Funeral Mass will take place at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 7720 Boone Rd, Houston, TX 77072, on April 11, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.
A Committal Service will follow at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery, 12800 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77077, US, on April 11, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm.
