Lauretta Jane (Haskell) Boyce, 77, of Whitman died on February 18, 2023 with her devoted husband of almost 57 years, Richard, by her side.
She is also survived by her son Timothy (Jennifer) Boyce and his children Mason and Heather of Pembroke; her son Michael (Robyn) Boyce and his children Max and Megan of East Bridgewater; her daughter Elisabeth (Byron) Peebles and her children Ada, Jane, and Daisy of Alexandria, VA. She was predeceased by her parents William and Esther (Ross) Haskell; her brother Robert Haskell and his wife Doris Haskell; and her brother-in-law Russell Boyce.
Family has always been at the heart of everything she did. Growing up in Holbrook, she felt a deep connection to her extended family and their history. She would visit with family and hear their stories. She placed great importance on maintaining that connection to her roots with her children and grandchildren.
After graduating from Burdett College, she worked as a Legal Secretary. She worked a variety of jobs while she raised her three children. A lifelong volunteer, Lauretta enjoyed helping at her church, First Congregational Church of Whitman. She served on the Board of Christian Education, a Youth Group leader with Richard, on the Ministerial Search Committee, and myriad events through the years. She always stepped up when help was needed, including making numerous cakes. She led her sons’ Cub Scouts. She was a Girl Scout Leader for many years, like her mother before, and now her daughter. She was a dedicated volunteer with the Whitman-Hanson chapter of Dollars for Scholars, helping countless students pay for college. Lauretta worked in schools for many years and her final job was perhaps her perfect one. Working in the library of Whitman-Hanson Regional High School, she was both surrounded by books and able to help students and teachers alike.
She took great joy in being with her family as it grew. She was so excited for each grandchild and made special connections with each of them. She loved spending time with them and especially seeing them playing together. The sound of their voices was always a pleasure for her. Even in her final days, she lit up at even the mention of her family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to her church, First Congregational Church of Whitman, or to help others with blood cancers through Be the Match https://bethematch.org/support-the-cause/donate-financially/. If you can, please give blood on her behalf.
Visitation will be 4-7 pm on Wednesday, February 22nd, followed by a service at 7 pm at the Blanchard Funeral Chapel, Plymouth Street (Rte. 58 @ the rotary) in Whitman, MA.