News Summary
The passing of Joya Celiberti Barrett, an influential educator and community advocate, has deeply affected the Austin community. Known for her dedication to teaching and civic engagement, Barrett’s contributions have left a lasting legacy. Her commitment to education and the environment is honored through community donations and her final act of donating her body for research. Friends, family, and community members plan to celebrate her remarkable life in a future gathering.
Austin, Texas – Community Mourns the Loss of Joya Celiberti Barrett
Joya Celiberti Barrett, an esteemed educator and community advocate, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 80 on the evening of May 9, 2025, in Austin, Texas. Her sudden departure has left a significant void in the lives of her family, friends, and the broader community she dedicated her life to serving.
Born on June 17, 1944, in the Bronx, New York, Barrett spent her childhood between the Bronx and Westbury, Long Island. She pursued her education with a commitment that would shape her career in teaching. After graduating from Westbury High School, she attended Adelphi University and later Queens College, ultimately earning a Bachelor of Arts in Teaching alongside a certificate in Special Education.
Barrett’s teaching career began in West Islip, New York, where she taught English. She then transitioned to Special Education, making a difference in the lives of countless students across various schools in Long Island, Albuquerque, Lake Vista, and Austin. Her passion for education and advocacy for her students extended beyond the classroom, marking her as a pillar of support and guidance in her community.
Community Engagement and Interests
In addition to her teaching career, Barrett was deeply involved in community activities. She was known for her powerful singing voice and participated in local musical groups, such as the Hilde Girls in Austin. Her enthusiasm for civic engagement was evident through her active participation in local Democratic groups where she championed various causes and initiatives that reflected her values.
Barrett’s family was her pride and joy; she is survived by her devoted husband, Dennis Barrett, her daughter, Tina Hellsten, and her beloved grandson, Jack Hellsten. Barrett is also remembered by her siblings: Maria Shickler, Donna Celiberti, Bruce Celiberti, and Lisa Celiberti Curran, along with her nephews Scott Shickler and his wife Grace, Jason Sudano, Taylor Curran, and Pierce Curran.
Legacy and Tribute
Friends and neighbors have described Barrett as “a force of nature,” a testament to her vibrant spirit and dedication to those around her. Her love for flowers and gardening further showcased her nurturing nature, reflecting her commitment to beauty and care both in and outside of her professional life. While she is preceded in death by her parents, William and Sandra Celiberti, Barrett’s legacy will remain deeply rooted in the hearts of all whom she impacted.
In her final act of generosity, Barrett donated her body to the Texas State University Forensic Anthropology Center, an endeavor that will contribute to education and research in the field. A celebration of her life is planned for a future date in Austin, providing an opportunity for her friends, family, and community to gather and honor her remarkable contributions.
Donations and Contact Information
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center to honor Barrett’s commitment to the environment and her love for nature. Those wishing to reach out or inquire about the celebration of her life may contact Lisa Celiberti Curran via email at lc377@optonline.net.
The passing of Joya Celiberti Barrett marks the loss of a cherished member of the Austin community whose dedication to education, family, and civic responsibility will be remembered for years to come.
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Additional Resources
- Statesman: Paco Obituary
- Legacy: Audrey Austin Obituary
- Austin & Barnes Funeral Home: Helen Nairns Obituary
- WBIW: Austin A. Engleking Obituary
- Leader Paper: Austin R. Kobermann Obituary
- Wikipedia: Austin, Texas
- Google Search: Joya Celiberti Barrett
- Google Scholar: Education Advocacy
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Community Advocacy
- Google News: Joya Celiberti Barrett
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
