Lyda “Joy” Mazzarella (née Hitt), who loved to be called “Mema” by her six grandchildren, departed her loving family on December 25, 2023, after a brief illness, at the age of 94. Joy was born in Germantown, KY, on March 13, 1929, to Elmer and Thelma Hitt. She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Marceline, Marcella, Mildred, Genevieve and Nina, and her brothers Adrian, Glenford (Toby) and Keith, as well as her former husband, RJ (Rudy) Mazzarella. Known for her kindness, sharp wit, unparalleled housekeeping skills and entertaining sense of humor, Joy is survived by her children Jeff Mazzarella (Brandi) of Phoenix, AZ, Beverly Mazzarella of Point Roberts, Washington and Deborah Mazzarella of Williamsburg, Virginia. Along with Rudy, she raised her children with love and devotion in Cincinnati, OH, Belfort, France, Schenectady, NY, Syracuse, NY and Brussels, Belgium. Joy also leaves behind her grandchildren Carter, Haydn and Cammie Smith, Alexandria (Ali) Schroder and Jackson Livanec, and Giuliana Grace (Gigi) Mazzarella. In addition to her immediate family, Joy is survived by dozens of wonderful nieces, cousins and friends who are also mourning her loss. The family is grateful to them for the love and care they provided for Joy throughout the years. A private reception for family and friends will be held in Cincinnati. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital be made in Joy’s name.