Richmond and Joyce Marcy

Joyce Kallgren Marcy - August 20, 1940 - April 25, 2025
Richmond Herman Marcy - June 12, 1941 - May 3, 2025

As I sit to write this obituary, I find it difficult to pen an ordinary farewell for two parents we children viewed as extraordinary. They never would have considered themselves anything special, yet it was from that very humility that they touched and cared for so many throughout their lives. With the love they had for each other, we think it is divinely fitting that they shared a “Notebook” ending.

On that note, it is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Joyce Kallgren Marcy, age 84, of Louisville, Kentucky. Joyce was born in Putnam, Connecticut, and entered God’s Kingdom on April 25, 2025, with her loving husband, Richmond Herman Marcy, and family members at her side.

Just eight short days later, on May 3, 2025, our beloved father, Richmond Herman Marcy, age 83, of Louisville, Kentucky, entered into God’s Kingdom, passing peacefully with family at his side, but with a broken heart from missing Joyce. Richmond was born in Southbridge, Massachusetts.

High school sweethearts from Woodstock Academy in Woodstock, CT, Joyce and Richmond were married for over 62 years, building a life deeply rooted in faith, service, and love. Theirs was a beautiful partnership, a true "Notebook" legacy, as they passed away peacefully at home just days apart after a long and courageous journey with dementia. For those who knew them, it comes as no surprise that they could not be kept apart for long.

They leave behind their four children: Barbara Lasley (Brian), Carolyn Williams, Michael Marcy (Justine), and Karen Bayles (Bill), as well as grandchildren whom they poured into with time, adventures, and love: Sara Rodgers, Clint Rodgers (Jennifer), Jessica Allen, Zachary Marcy, Maria Drake (Jonathan), Chelsea Wilson (Elijah) and Sebastian Bayles (Ruth). They were also blessed with seven great-grandchildren.

Joyce was predeceased by her mother and father, Ellen Dorothy (Carlson) Kallgren (Yonkers, NY) and Carl Alfred Kallgren (Woodstock, CT). Richmond was predeceased by his mother and father, Pauline Grace (Thompson) Marcy (Southbridge, MA) and Herman Alvin Marcy (Woodstock, CT), his brother Alvin Newell Marcy, and his brother-in-law George Tyler. Richmond leaves behind his sister, Marilyn Marcy, his brother Leonard Marcy, and his sister-in-law, Laura Marcy.

Together, Richmond and Joyce leave behind many nieces and nephews whom they loved deeply.

Joyce graduated from Wheaton College and received her Master’s degree from the University of Louisville. Richmond graduated from Barrington College and earned his Master’s degree at the University of Connecticut.

Joyce shared her passion for education as a fifth-grade teacher in Connecticut before moving to Louisville, where she worked in Senior Services at Crescent Hill Ministries. She later served as both a counselor and the principal at Christian Academy of Louisville and as the elementary principal at Whitfield Academy.

Richmond dedicated twenty-eight years of his career to serving as the principal of the Kentucky School for the Blind. He was a member of the Mayflower Society and the Lions Club and was honored as a Kentucky Colonel in 2004.

Richmond and Joyce lived out their deep Christian faith as devoted members of Southeast Christian Church and previously also enjoyed many great years at Broadway Baptist Church.

Gifted with a wonderful sense of adventure and openness, Joyce embraced life with hospitality and spunk. She fiercely advocated for her family, into whom she poured her heart. This spirit extended to her love for outdoor adventures like downhill skiing and gardening, her passion for travel, bird watching, and her cherished Swedish heritage. She was also quite proud to be known for riding steers bareback as a child, her irresistible apple pie, and insatiable desire to learn. According to Mom, just about everything in life could be solved with a good scoop of ice cream!

A devoted husband, father, brother, and friend, Richmond was cherished for his strong gentleness, calming spirit, encouraging words, and helpful hand. He was also known for the constant twinkle in his eye and his ability to bring a smile to anyone's face with a well-timed "dad" joke. Richmond also held a quiet passion for life, enjoying traveling, downhill skiing, playing golf, ping-pong, and enthusiastically cheering on the University of Louisville Cardinals. With a creative spirit, he enjoyed singing in the church choir, caning, calligraphy, photography, and framing. Both Mom and Dad led lives characterized by service to others, generosity, hospitality, kindness, patient love, and deep faith.

Their impact on their family and community was profound. They leave behind big shoes for us all to fill, but they are the kind of people who inspire us to try.

A joint Memorial Service will be held in Louisville on Saturday, June 14, at noon (12:00 p.m.) at Chapel in the Woods, 1407 Moser Rd, Louisville, KY 40299. It will be followed by a Celebration of Life Reception at Southeast Christian Church Main Campus, Fireside Room, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., 920 Blankenbaker Parkway, Louisville, KY 40243.

If you wish to send flowers they can be delivered to Chapel in the Woods, 1407 Moser Rd, Louisville, KY.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in their name to one or more of the following:

Alzheimer's Association at https://www.alz.org/Louisville

East Lions Club at https://louisvilleeastlionsclub.wordpress.com/fundraiser/

Southeast Christian Church at https://www.southeastchristian.org/give

If you have any questions at all, please feel free to reach out to Karen Bayles at karen.bayles@upliftmarketing.ca or Michael Marcy at mmarcy92@aol.com.

Our family will miss them dearly, but we are at peace knowing they are together in the presence of Jesus and the Glory of God. In this, we find joy and hope.

If you knew them, we know you will miss them too.

We love you, Mom and Dad! Till we see you again! XOXO.

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