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OBITUARY
Joyce A. Karrmann
OCTOBER 5, 1945 – JULY 30, 2023
Whether you knew her as Mrs. Karrmann, Joyce, or affectionately as "Gigi," there's no denying our Mom was an extraordinary woman who led a wonderfully rich and fulfilling life. As her daughters, we’d like to offer some heartfelt glimpses into the incredible woman she was.
Joyce dedicated more than 25 years of her life to being an exceptional teacher, leaving a positive impact on countless young minds. She was known for her incredible thoughtfulness and kindness, always eager to volunteer her time with organizations like TheraPets, Habitat for Humanity, and The NEAT Club.
Her circle of friends was vast, too numerous to count, a testament to the deep connections she formed throughout her life. As an active and engaged mom, she cherished her four daughters above all else. Her five grandsons held a very special place in her heart, and she adored them endlessly.
A true adventurer, Joyce was a world traveler in her retirement, always seeking new experiences and making memories wherever she went. Her joyful and fun-loving spirit was infectious, and she had a knack for bringing joy to those around her. Nothing made her happier than being with her favorite people – her family and friends.
Even as her health declined in recent years, Joyce never complained and continued to bring smiles to our faces with her witty sense of humor. She was a remarkable trooper, showing immense strength and resilience. Her wonderful caretakers – Sherri, Brucetta, Audrey, and LaTasha – cared for her dearly.
Joyce/Gigi's presence will be greatly missed, but her memory will be cherished forever in our hearts. She truly lived life to the fullest, always surrounded by her favorite music or engaging in a silly dance. Her legacy of love and joy will continue to inspire us as we remember the incredible person she was.
Joyce A. Karrmann peacefully passed away on July 30, 2023 with family by her side. She was born on October 5, 1945, the daughter of the late Bertha Frances Hayhurst and Marion Eldon Hayhurst, in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She graduated from Northside High School and attended Indiana University, where she was a member of Alpha Phi sorority. Throughout the 80s and 90s, Joyce poured her heart into raising her four daughters and was a devoted and highly memorable kindergarten teacher for 18 years at Nora Elementary. She loved being a teacher and being a mom. Joyce is survived by her daughters Kris K. Wu (Chris), Kerry D Paron (Fabio), Kelly J. Karrmann (Adam), Kathyrn J. Palomino (Raul), grandchildren Nick, Quinn, Parker, Blake, Wyatt, and William “Will”, who will arrive around her birthday, her siblings Tom Hayhurst (Judy) and Rich Hayhurst (Nancy) and loving nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and ex-husband, but good friend, Edward R. Karrmann.
Joyce requested wearing color to honor her life. A Celebration of Life will be held at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church (100 W 86th St, Indianapolis, IN 46260) on Friday, August 4, 2023 from 1-3 pm. Visitation will be 1-2 pm in the Community Room and the service from 2-3 pm in the Robertson Chapel. In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to the Gigi Karrmann Early Childhood Education Fund. Checks can be made payable to the Washington Township Schools Foundation: 8550 Woodfield Crossing Blvd., Indianapolis, IN 46240 or online at https://www.wtsfoundation.org/online-giving-form/ (enter "memorial" under designation and "Gigi" in the comments line). Memorial gifts honoring Gigi’s legacy will provide program support to the early childhood programming in Washington Township Schools.
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Cheryl L. Evers (Hohenbrink)
So sad to hear about Joyce Hayhurst passing. She was always a friendly kind person. I am sure her family will miss her very much. It's so hard hearing about people in our class who are no longer with us. I guess we who are still hear should be very thankful for our good health. My sympathy goes to Joyce"s family. Take care, Cheryl Hohenbrink
Carol A. Lash (Armstrong)
What a beautiful tribute from Joyce's daughters. Having shared so many junior high and high school days with Joyce, it was always such fun to have our paths cross later in Indy. Although many years would go by, we would spend our visits catching up and laughing like no time had passed. I will miss those visits with my dear friend but will always smile as I think of her. Indeed a very special woman!!
John A. Briggs
When I arrived at Forest Park for sixth grade, friendless in Ft. Wayne, Joyce was one of those who went out of her way to be friendly and welcoming.
She wasn't gushy, she was nice, always. I saw less of her in high school and lost touch with her and with virtually all of my classmates in the years since, but she remained clear in my mind. Her smile.
I'm saddened to hear of her death. I'm glad she died peacefully, surrounded by family.
She was a nice girl, and when I joined this site prior to our 50th reunion, she sent out an hello that reminded me of who she had been when I knew her. The eloquent obituary remembrance of her kindness and cheer is a portrait of the Joyce I knew and liked.