Joyce's obituary
Joyce Angeline Bandy of Greenwood peacefully entered eternal rest on March 5, 2026, at the age of 81. Born on July 8, 1944, the daughter of the late Kenneth Brown and Katherine Brown Gorman, Joyce lived a life defined by determination, devotion, and a zest for living that left a lasting imprint on everyone who knew her.
A graduate of Ben Davis High School’s Class of 1962, Joyce’s life soon intertwined with the love of her life, James Bandy, whom she loved more than anything in this world. The two were married on October 31, 1965, beginning a beautiful partnership that would span more than six decades—built on love, faith, and an unwavering commitment to family.
Joyce approached life with a fearless spirit and an extraordinary ability to succeed at anything she set her mind to. Earlier in her career, after climbing the secretarial ladder with a few corporations, she became Executive Assistant to the Vice President of People’s Drug Store before the company later became CVS. Yet Joyce’s ambitions and talents extended far beyond a single role. She wore several different career hats; she was a high achiever in anything she was interested in.
Among her most remarkable accomplishments was becoming a General Contractor, designing and building beautiful log homes across the Midwest—homes that bore not only her extraordinary standards in craftsmanship but her artistic vision as their interior designer. Joyce and Jim lived on Lamb Lake for 23 years. She built three of these luxurious log homes on Lamb Lake. She also served her community as an insurance agent and co-owner of the family business, Bandy Insurance, working alongside those she loved most.
To all those who knew her, Joyce was far more than her professional achievements. She was bright, vibrant, and endlessly energetic—a devoted mother and grandmother, sister and aunt, loyal friend, and cherished relative whose warmth filled every room she entered. Her strength, humor, and boundless encouragement shaped the lives of her family and countless others.
Faith was the cornerstone of Joyce’s life. A devout Roman Catholic, she was a former member of St. Barnabas Church, where her children attended school, and later an active member of Saints Francis & Clare of Assisi Roman Catholic Church. There, she faithfully served her parish community for many years, volunteering at the annual Fish Fry alongside her husband and dedicating more than 15 years to the funeral ministry by helping to prepare funeral meals, which is being reciprocated for her after her ceremony.
Joyce leaves behind a legacy of love in her devoted husband of 60 years, James Bandy; her children, James Bandy (Ronda), Jeff Bandy, and Julie Bandy (Vasilis); her sister, Paula Fagersten (Larry); eight grandchildren; and thirteen great-grandchildren who will carry forward her strength, spirit, and love of family. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Paul Brown and Robert Brown.
Joyce’s life was a testament to resilience, faith, and the power of love. The personal and professional accomplishments she made, the faith she lived, and the family she nurtured all stand as enduring reflections of a life beautifully and purposefully lived.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Saints Francis & Clare of Assisi Catholic Church.
Visitation will be held at Saints Francis & Clare of Assisi on Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., followed by a 12:00 p.m. Funeral Mass, an inurnment, and a funeral meal as family and friends gather to celebrate and remember Joyce’s extraordinary life.