On August 11, 2019, Joy Melissa Martz unexpectedly passed away.  Joy lived just like her name suggests, she brought light and sparkle everywhere she went. Joy was remarkable because she lifted others up even though she herself had special needs. Joy was on the autism spectrum and was non-verbal her whole life. She communicated instead with her eyes, her smile, her hugs, her fondness of tiaras and all things sparkly, and her total acceptance of others.

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The Joy Martz Memorial Group's mission is to promote access and opportunity for individuals with special needs, encourage and support the families and caregivers of the special needs community, and celebrate the life of Joy.