Joyce Crandall Metzger

Joyce Crandall Metzger passed away peacefully on January 10, 2025, comforted by her children, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren. A kind and gentle soul, Joyce's legacy is one of love, devotion, and a life well-lived.

 Born and raised in Ithaca, New York, Joyce cultivated a deep appreciation for education and the outdoors early in life. She attended Cornell University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics and later obtained a Master’s in Nutrition Science. While at Cornell, Joyce became a member of Kappa Delta sorority and enjoyed learning to sail in her free time.

 In 1952, Joyce moved to Louisville, Kentucky, to begin her career as a consultant for the Nutrition Division of the Kentucky Department of Health serving twenty county health departments. She chose a profession in Public Health because of her “strong belief in nutrition as preventative medicine and the opportunity to teach.” Throughout her professional career she worked part-time and full-time for 32 years, including as a professor at Indiana University Southeast and the University of Louisville, where she designed courses for elementary education and nursing majors. Joyce worked as a registered clinical dietician at Jewish Hospital for 15 years. Between 1960 and 1968 she enjoyed her most important and favorite job as a stay-at-home mother, raising three children. 

 When Joyce arrived in Louisville, she joined Highland Presbyterian Church, where she met and married Ted Metzger. Their union was a testament to enduring partnership and love of family, rooted in faith and service. Joyce served her church community in numerous roles over the years. She taught pre-K Sunday school classes, was a deacon, group leader, volunteer and helped to facilitate a Women’s Bible Study group which lasted for years, embodying her deep commitment to helping others.

 Joyce’s love for the outdoors and the mountains was passed along to her children and grandchildren. She delighted in mountain hiking, cross-country skiing, and downhill skiing, often taking to the Vermont slopes with her grandchildren well into her 80s. Family vacations were primarily spent exploring the natural beauty of the Colorado Rockies, the Grand Tetons, Yellowstone, Sun Valley, Idaho, and the Northeast. Her appreciation for nature, wildlife, and gardening extended to volunteer service at Yew Dell Gardens, Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve, and the Falls of the Ohio State Park. She was also a member of The Nature Conservancy, The Rambler’s Garden Club of Louisville, the Beckham Bird Club, and The Louisville Genealogical Society. 

 A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Joyce will be remembered for her unwavering love of family. She found joy in being together, sharing family history, and cultivating a sense of wonder in her children and grandchildren. Her kind soul, pure, giving spirit, and strength left an indelible mark on everyone she met.

 Joyce’s life was a testament to the beauty of a life rooted in kindness, service, love for family, and love for the outdoors. She will be deeply missed but forever cherished.

 Joyce was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ted R. Metzger, her loving parents, and her brother. She is survived by her children: Stephen Metzger (and his wife, Mary), George Metzger (and his wife, Raven), and Nancy Metzger Tavolacci. Her five cherished grandchildren, Travis Metzger, Cole Metzger, Madeline Tavolacci, Peter Tavolacci, and Isabella Tavolacci, will forever carry her memory in their hearts. Joyce is also survived by two nieces, a nephew, and several cousins with whom she remained close. Her family finds solace in knowing that her love and lessons will live on in their hearts and actions.

 Services celebrating Joyce’s life will be determined in the future. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her memory to Second Chances Wildlife Center.

 To share a memory of Joyce or leave a special message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.