Kay Lucia

Kay Norrie Lucia, of Milledgeville, Georgia, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2025, at Atrium Health Navicent Baldwin. In accordance with her wishes, funeral services will be private. Born on July 19, 1951, in a U.S. Army hospital in Nuremberg, Germany, Kay was the daughter of then-Captain George Norrie and Audrey Norrie. As part of a military family, her early years were spent in various locations, including Ft. Benning, GA; Ft. Leavenworth, KS; Ft. Monroe, VA; Manila, Philippines; and Ft. Knox, KY, before the family eventually settled in Milledgeville, GA. There, Kay graduated from Baldwin County High School in 1969. She was predeceased by her parents. Kay pursued an extensive education in nursing and healthcare administration. She earned an Associate of Science in Nursing in 1978, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1988, and a Master of Science in Nursing in 1990—all from Georgia College in Milledgeville. In 2004, she completed a Master of Business Administration in Management from Wesleyan College in Macon, GA. She was a proud member of Phi Kappa Phi and Sigma Theta Tau, the international nursing honor society. Kay began her nursing career at Baldwin County Hospital (now Atrium Health Navicent Baldwin) in the Medical-Surgical Unit. From 1980 to 1987, she served as the plant nurse at Grumman Aircraft in Milledgeville, where she received commendations and recognition for her professional excellence. In 1987, Kay transitioned into administrative and leadership roles, beginning a distinguished 34-year career with Atrium Health Navicent in Macon, GA. She held a number of key positions, including roles at the Occupational Health Center and Employee Health Center, as well as serving as Outcomes Manager, Clinical Financial Manager, and Risk Manager. She retired in 2021 as Director of Risk Management for Navicent Health Systems. Kay was actively involved in a number of professional and community organizations, including the American Cancer Society (Baldwin County Unit), the American Red Cross (Blood Drive Chairperson), the Middle Georgia and American Association of Occupational Health Nurses, and the American Heart Association, where she served as president of the Baldwin County Unit in 1986. Her certifications included Basic Cardiac Life Support Instructor, Occupational Health Nursing, Occupational Hearing Conservationist, and Pulmonary Function Testing. She is survived by her husband of 20 years, Peter Lucia; her daughter, Dawn Traxler, and Dawn’s fiancé, Michael McCadden, both of Milledgeville; her brother and sister-in-law, Ken and Sallie Norrie of Jacksonville, FL; her cousins, Diane Davis of Social Circle, GA; Sally (Mike) Bamman of Fort Myers, FL; and Dan (Karen) Jenkins of Atlanta, GA. She also leaves behind her beloved rescue cats, Max and Lily. Kay met her husband, Peter, in Milledgeville in 1993, and they were married on August 28, 2005, in Amelia Island, FL. Together, they shared a love for travel, particularly beach vacations, and were passionate Florida Gators football fans. Many of their weekends were spent in Gainesville, FL, tailgating with family and friends. Kay also enjoyed reading, crocheting, and summer days by the pool with Peter. Kay lived a vibrant and fulfilling life. Her dedication to her profession, community, and loved ones leaves a lasting legacy. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Kay Lucia

July 19, 1951 - April 15, 2025