Joyce Mandarino Parrish, 85, passed away February 3, 2026. Born on September 10, 1940, she was raised in Salt Lake City by her devoted and hardworking parents, Joseph and Mary Ciambra Mandarino, alongside her sister, Marilyn. She graduated from East High School, where she sang in the a cappella choir and was honored each year as Queen of the Cadet Hop.
In 1960, Joyce married Stanley B. Parrish. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and service as they raised six wonderful children. She served actively in the PTA, Assistance League, American Heart Association, the Children’s Museum, and in many callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Wherever she lived, she formed enduring friendships that became lifelong treasures.
Though Salt Lake City was home for most of their lives, Joyce and Stan also spent eight years in McLean, Virginia, and later two years in London, England, serving a public affairs mission for the Church—an experience she counted among the great blessings of her life. There they met heads of state, government leaders, diplomats, and business leaders from around the world. Joyce was a gracious and elegant ambassador for both her faith and her country.
Joyce found her greatest joy in her relationships. She was devoted to Stan, her beloved companion of sixty-five years, with whom she shared a love of family and the gospel. Together they embraced community service, the arts, and travel, exploring the world—often alongside dear friends. Their annual trips to Hawaii held a special place in her heart.
She treasured her role as mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, taking immense pride in her posterity, many of whom lovingly called her “Nonna.” A talented interior designer and gifted hostess, Joyce transformed her homes into welcoming works of art. Her legacy endures in her family and in the traditions she built, including her Italian lasagna and Christmas egg casserole.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, James Albo; and her sisters, Fran Marquardson and Marilyn Owen. She is survived by her husband and six children: Elise Murdock (Kelly); Blake Parrish (Jill); Jennifer Ingersoll (Brett); Melissa Piercey; Brad Parrish (Audrey); and Ashley Lundeen (Donnie); twenty grandchildren; and seven and a half great-grandchildren.
Services will be held at the Danish Town Ward located at 8170 South Shorthills Drive (3425 East), Salt Lake City. A viewing will be held Monday, February 16, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Funeral services will be Tuesday, February 17, at 12:00 p.m., with a viewing from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. prior to the service. Interment will be at the Centerville City Cemetery. The service will also be streamed at https://zoom.us/j/95379268304
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Utah Symphony and Opera Company or to the Humanitarian Aid Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
