After suffering a sudden medical episode at her Brookvale home, Joanna Zmienko (affectionately known as Asia), passed away on Friday, 4 July 2025 at 47-years-old, leaving behind her husband of 18 years, Rob Abrahams, and 10-year-old son, Alex.
With the family’s permission, Manly Observer has been asked to share the news of Jo’s passing and to call on the Northern Beaches community to help support Rob and Alex during this difficult time (details further down, but a GoFundMe has been set up for the family which you can find here).
“For Alex and me, there is now a void in our lives that will never be filled,” Rob shared.
“Jo was our guiding light in the dark, our strength when we were ill, our laughter when we were sad. She was our everything, and we were hers. She had this presence when she entered any room and seemed to know instantly who needed help and would give everything, offer anything to anyone and everyone she met.
“Our lives and the lives of all the people she touched around the world have been irreversibly changed. Alex and I will be forever grateful for every day that she spent in our lives and will love her to eternity and back.
“She is not gone because I know she lives on in the hearts of everyone who knew her.”
The cause of death is currently undetermined and family are waiting for the final coroner’s report.
Friends and neighbours rally around the family
Manly Observer first came to find out about Rob and Alex’s grief through their long-time friend and neighbour, Bianca Kellie.
“I’ve known Jo and her family since Alex was just six months old, and since they do not have any extended family in Australia, they’ve become like family,” she told us.
“Jo truly was an incredible woman, and her loss has deeply affected everyone whose life she touched.”
Jo’s mother and cousin are flying in from Poland for the funeral, held this week. Rob’s sister has flown in from New Zealand.
Bianca explained Jo and her family were already doing it tough financially with Jo being unwell since the start of 2020 and unable to secure a job since 2023.
“With rising interest rates and only one income, the family was already stretched thin and had begun exploring the painful possibility of selling their home,” she explained.
“Now, in the midst of grief, Rob must also find a way to cover funeral expenses and continue to support his son, emotionally and financially.
“If you knew Jo, you’ll remember her as a kind and generous person who would give her last dollar to someone in need and was always the first to offer help, comfort, or a listening ear.”
Bianca has set up a GoFundMe to raise $30,000 to help cover funeral expenses and provide some short-term financial relief to allow Rob space to grieve while supporting Alex. At the time of publication, they’ve raised $10,000.
“Every donation, big or small, makes a meaningful difference and eases the financial pressure on the family,” Bianca added.
“They’re incredibly grateful for the outpouring of kindness and generosity during this time.”
We share our deepest sympathy with the family during this time.
If you’d like to contribute to the GoFundMe, please go here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/please-help-support-rob-and-alex-after-the-sudden-loss-of-jo
