Joyce Georgette Calarco

Joyce Georgette Calarco, of North Haven, Connecticut, passed at age 73 at her home in North Haven, Connecticut. She is survived by her beloved daughter Cali Calarco; nieces Denise (Dean) Fantarella, Lisa and Sheri Argus, Terri and Rindi Puglia; great nieces and nephews Courtney, Tyler and Colby Fantarella, and Arianna Astrom; and former husband David Calarco. She was preceded in death by her parents, as well as her siblings, Norma (Ronald) Argus and Bruno (Florence) Puglia.

Joyce was born in 1952 the youngest child of Sylvia (Leonardi) and Michael Puglia of New Haven, Connecticut, both Italian immigrants who settled and found each other in New Haven. Joyce's mother, a skilled seamstress, and father, a masterful carpenter, instilled in her a great work ethic, a love and respect for education, and a desire to be of service to her New Haven community. After graduating from Lee High School in 1970, she earned her Bachelor's Degree in Biology from Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU), after which she began teaching Earth and Life Sciences at Augusta Lewis Troup Middle School. She went on to earn her Master's Degree in Science Education and her 6th Year Degree before joining the founding team of the Cooperative Arts and Humanities Magnet High School (Co-op) as the Biology and Human Physiology teacher. After growing the school for many years, she moved on to teaching Chemistry and Biology at Wilbur Cross High School before returning to Co-op. She continued her education while working, pivoting to obtain her MLS in Information and Library Science and becoming the Co-op librarian, which she especially enjoyed as she was an early adopter of computer technology. The final years of her 37-year career were spent working with younger students as the librarian at Micro Society Magnet School, where she rediscovered children's literature and enjoyed developing history and biography curricula through stories. Outside of work, Joyce was always busy. In her younger years she danced, which she loved, especially the opportunity to perform in the summer on Atlantic City's Steel Pier. In her later years, she contributed to extracurricular and tutoring programs in New Haven and decorated for numerous events throughout New Haven County with her business Golden Swan, later Balloons and More. She brought her unique style and flair to all her endeavors and was always remembered for her vibrance. Her most cherished role was that of mother to her only daughter, Cali. She was an active parent and leader in the Hamden Hall Country Day School community, serving on the Parent's Association board for many years. Joyce loved to travel and was lucky enough to see many countries abroad and states within the US, always having a preference for warm, tropical locations and New York City. While her retirement years were spent mostly at home, she always maintained a passion for education, a dedication to her family and friends, and a zeal for new projects.

Friends may call at Maresca & Sons Funeral Home, 592 Chapel St., New Haven from 9:30-11:00 AM on Tuesday, July 1st. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Elizabeth of the Trinity Parish at Saint Barnabas Church, 44 Washington Ave. North Haven at Noon, Entombment to follow at All Saints Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Interfaith Volunteer Care Givers of Greater New Haven or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.