Joyce L. Marinaccio

Joyce L. Marinaccio, 75, of Bettendorf, Iowa, passed away suddenly on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at her residence, doing what she loved.

A memorial service will be held at Grace Lutheran Church, in Davenport, Iowa, at a later date. Cremation will take place at Trimble Crematory, Moline, Illinois, under the direction of Cremation Society of the Quad Cities. Per Joyce’s wishes, memorials may be made to one of the following organizations: the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the American Lung Association, Illowa Council of the Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois, Quad City Animal Welfare Center in Milan, the American Red Cross of the Quad Cities Area, or Katie’s Fund.

The former, Joyce Louise Campbell was born on July 13, 1950, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Percy LeRoy and Dorothy Alberta (Grossglas) Campbell. She graduated from Novato High School in Novato, California, with the Class of 1968. On June 25, 1970, she married Stephen Arthur Marinaccio in Fort Ruger, in Dothan, Alabama prior to his next deployment. Together they had two children before later separating. Joyce continued her education at Western Illinois University, earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in 2001.

Throughout her life, Joyce held many meaningful and inspiring positions. She began her career as a substitute school secretary for the Novato Unified School District before relocating to the Quad Cities. She later worked as a secretary in the pathology department at Palmer College and for the Building Division of the City of Bettendorf. In 2000, she made history as the first female Permit Technician for the City of Bettendorf. She later worked for KJWW Construction, affectionately referring to herself as a “glorified secretary,” though her experience and knowledge far exceeded the title. Joyce retired on December 30, 2016.

Retirement did not mean slowing down. Instead, it allowed Joyce more time to devote herself to faith, service, and the causes she cherished. She was a longtime member of St. James Lutheran Church. She frequently taught Sunday school and volunteered wherever she was needed. She served as Board President and on the Board of Directors for Luther Homes. More recently, she became active at Grace Lutheran Church in Davenport, serving as an active associate member and as leader of the women's circle.

From a young age, Joyce was deeply committed to service organizations. She was active in both Rainbow Girls and Girl Scouts, earning her Grand Cross of Color as a Rainbow Girl. A lifetime member of the Girl Scouts, she led troops, volunteered extensively, and served on scholarship committees, including the National Gold Award Alliance Scholarship and the GSEIWI Gold Award Scholarship Committee, which reviews all Girl Scouts who have received the Gold Award and determines scholarship recipients for higher education. Veterans held a special place in her heart. As an Army wife and the daughter of a father who lost his life in the Vietnam War, she supported several Veterans Service Organizations in every way she could.

Joyce was known for her creativity and love of crafting. Whether quilting, cross-stitching, needlepointing, or crocheting, she found joy in working with her hands. She also had a deep appreciation for history, particularly the history of the Protestant Church and Martin Luther. Not wanting any of her interests to be forgotten, Joyce once thoughtfully wrote them on a napkin: reindeer, Frank Lloyd Wright, Jiminy Cricket, sand dollars, music boxes, wind chimes, ocean breeze, light prisms, kaleidoscopes, Christmas, turtles, and elephants.

She loved visiting the Niabi Zoo on her birthday and even kept a certificate of authenticity for an otter print from the zoo in her safety deposit box. Joyce also loved books; especially buying them, whether or not she found the time to read them.

Joyce is survived by her children, Stephen (Marilla) Marinaccio II and Kendra Marinaccio; brother, James (Emily) Campbell; three nieces and nephews; her “other daughter”, Trisha (Richie) Downing; and her “grandson”, Payten Downing. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Condolences may be shared at CremationQC.com.