Marie Alagia Obituary

Marie Joyce McCarthy Alagia

August 14, 1931 - November 21, 2024

Louisville, KENTUCKY - Marie Joyce McCarthy Alagia, a woman of humor, grace, and unwavering love, passed away peacefully on November 21, 2024, in Louisville, Kentucky, surrounded by her family.

Joyce was born on August 14, 1931. She grew up in Lexington, KY and graduated from University High School. Following her graduation from Dunbarton College in Washington, D.C., she married Damian Paul Alagia, Jr., on August 8, 1953. Following her husband's service in the Army Judge Advocate General Corps at Fort Campbell, they made their home in Louisville. In addition to raising their five children, Joyce volunteered at St. Leonard school and parish, including as a member of the church choir; Meals on Wheels; the Bellarmine Women's Council; Recording for the Blind; and Cub Scouts. Anyone who knew her, knows that Joyce had a quick wit and an infectious laugh; always a twinkle in her blue eyes and a ready smile. Joyce carried herself with dignity, facing life's challenges with strength and wisdom, and teaching those around her the value of compassion and kindness.

Above all else, Joyce was devoted to her husband, Damian, and her five children who were her pride and joy. In addition to being their biggest cheerleader, she instilled in each of them a sense of humor, the importance of integrity, and a deep appreciation for family. Joyce quickly resolved any issue with "the look" or a smile, as appropriate. Her love was constant, her encouragement boundless, and her presence a source of comfort. Joyce lives on through her children and grandchildren, in whom her humor, resilience, and love endure. She will be remembered as a mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend whose warmth touched many lives. She will be missed by all of them.

She is predeceased by her husband of 61 years, Damian Paul Alagia, Jr. and her parents, Marie Fitzgerald McCarthy and Justin Roche McCarthy. She is survived by her five children: Marie Alagia Cull (Bill), Damian Paul Alagia, III, M.D., (Alexa Halaby), Claire Alagia (Creighton Mershon, Sr.), Margie Alagia Ingram (John) and John Alagia; grandchildren, Emma Cull, Madeline Alagia, Sarah Alagia, Alexander Alagia, Kathleen McLaughlin, Patrick McLaughlin (Olivia), Creighton Mershon, Jr. (Jessi Arrington), James Ingram (Alyssa), and Allison Ingram. Joyce's great grandchildren are: Isaiah Scott, Woodford and Walker Mclaughlin, Aiden and Connor Ingram, and Dottie Mae Mershon. Also, of great importance to her and her family are her caregivers Rosie, Gloria, Amy, Lori, Mary, Sarah, Erin, and Tricia.

Visitation will be at Ratterman Brothers Funeral Home, 3711 Lexington Road on Sunday, November 24, 2024, from 2:00 until 5:00 p.m. A burial Mass will be held at Our Lady of the Woods Chapel at Bellarmine University on Monday, November 25, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. followed by a private burial at Calvary Cemetery.

While flowers are always welcomed, so are contributions to Our Lady of the Woods Chapel Bellarmine University, Hosparus, Sacred Heart Academy Alagia Scholarship Fund or St. Xavier High School.