Joyce Marie (Messier, Martin) Ludington of Palmetto, FL died peacefully on March 18, 2026, at the age of 77.
Born November 7, 1948, in Abington, Massachusetts to Francis and Wilhelmina Messier, Joyce graduated from Abington High School in 1966. She later earned her associate's degree in accounting from Stonehill College while working full-time.
Joyce knew the numbers. She worked most of her career for two different companies, managing their accounting systems and being the keeper of the numbers. But it wasn’t just at work where she knew the numbers - she knew them in her personal life as well. Numbers such as how many snickerdoodles it would take to satiate her kids on a Saturday morning so she could sleep in (spoiler - it was none because they’d just eat the batter). Numbers like little league batting averages and volleyball wins. She knew her golf scores, how many coils on a boating line and the stitches in her latest needlework or knitted blanket. Joyce knew the miles traveled each summer on the family cross-country motorhoming trips, how many states she’d visited, and the Carnival Cruise Line points earned for future adventures. Joyce didn’t just know the numbers, she lived them.
By far the greatest numbers in her life were people. Joyce adored her family. She leaves behind her husband of nearly 16 years, Earl Ludingon, her 2 children (Jeff Martin and Kristine Parsley), 6 grandchildren (Nathan, Reece, Maighan, Kara, Abigail & Caroline) and 4 sisters (Barbara, Patricia, Judy and Ann). She was pre-deceased by her brother, Richard.
Joyce was an accomplished listener, trusted friend and card-sending extraordinaire. She never forgot a birthday or anniversary and perhaps many will miss her most on those special occasions. To honor the life she lived, we will gather at a later date for a time of celebration where all the special numbers can be in one place. We hope you’ll join us then.
Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209, is in charge of arrangements.
