Obituary of Joya Dahal

Joya Dahal, 11, of Albany, succumbed to her injuries on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at Albany Medical Center Hospital in Albany, following her heroic efforts on Saturday afternoon, December 7, 2024, to rescue a 12-year-old friend who fell into Washington Park Lake in Albany. 

Born in Nepal, she was the daughter of Aiti M. Rai of Albany, NY, and the late Kumar Dahal. Joya came to the U.S. at the tender age of 1 and was a vibrant 6th-grade student at North Albany Middle School, where she was adored by her teachers and classmates alike. 

Joya had a zest for life, with a passion for singing and dancing that lit up any room she entered. She was also a talented Taekwondo practitioner, a gifted flutist, and cherished her time engaging in these activities. Her infectious smile and boundless love touched everyone she met, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew her. 

In addition to her beloved mother, Aiti, Joya is the cherished maternal granddaughter of Chatur Singh Rai and Rupa Maya Rai and the treasured paternal granddaughter of Bhoj Dahal and Sumitra Dahal. She is also survived by her loving uncles and aunts, Raj Dhan Rai and Om Prakash Rai, as well as several cousins and numerous friends who will forever remember her heroic spirit and radiant joy. 

Hindu funeral services will begin on Thursday, December 12, 2024, promptly at 9:00 a.m. at the Gardner Earl Memorial Chapel in Oakwood Cemetery, 186 Oakwood Avenue, Troy, NY 12182. 

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted by the family to the Gordon C. Emerick Funeral Home, 1550 RT-9, Clifton Park, NY 12065. (518) 371-5454. 

To leave a message on Joya’s Memorial Guestbook or to offer your online condolences, please use the tab on this website page.