Gloria B. Boyce

Gloria was born on Dec. 22, 1922, in Iron Mountain, daughter of Natale and Emma (Contarini) Bolognesi. She attended public schools in Iron Mountain, and graduated as salutatorian of her class in 1940.

After attending Gregg’s Business College in Chicago, she returned home to work at Lake Shore Engineering Co. In 1943, she joined the WAVES – the Women’s Navy of World War II and trained at Hunter’s College in New York City, in Cedar Falls, Iowa, and in Clearwater, Utah. She served for two years in Utah and San Francisco.

When she returned to civilian life, she was again employed by Lake Shore, then by the First National Bank, next as secretary for a Michigan senator in Lansing, and eventually for a U.S. senator in Washington D.C.

On May 1, 1954, she married Dr. George H. Boyce Jr. in Iron Mountain, and together they raised four children. Her husband preceded her in death on Dec. 6, 2015.

Gloria started the Kingsford Ford Addition children’s 4th of July parade with a small group of neighborhood children to celebrate their son’s half-birthday. She organized the parade for many years and other moms have kept it going for 60 years.

Gloria was active in the Iron Mountain/Kingsford Women’s Club, Breitung Township School Board, Menominee Range Historical Society, the Garden Club, and was a member of the Drawing Room Club for over 60 years, and Woman of the Year in 1984. She wrote and gave historical talks to various organizations over the years, including one to the veterans at the VA hospital when she was in her 90s. In May 2016, she and her daughter took the renowned Veterans Honor Flight to Washington D.C., and in April 2019, she was interviewed for the WWII museum in New Orleans.

Gloria was a faithful member of American Martyrs Church of Kingsford, studied God’s Word, and was devoted to her Lord in worship and prayer.

Her legacy lives on in her children, John (Michelle) Boyce of Sunland, Calif., Tina (Bob) Dillman of Lake Geneva, Wis., Jim Boyce of Everette, Wash. and Tom (Kathi) Boyce of Charlotte, N.C.; 12 grandchildren, Ryan Hang, Tom Dillman, Sam (Kathleen) Dillman, Mark (Corinne) Dillman, Maria (Clayton) Morris, Geena Boyce, Christina Boyce, Natalie Boyce, Tim Boyce, Margaret Boyce, George Boyce, Scott Gray; and one great-grandchild, Sophie Dillman. She loved them all dearly, and they loved her.

She also leaves behind her dear sister, Gerri (Everett) Doehr of San Diego, Calif.; her doting brother, Patric (Lorin) of Huntington Beach, Calif.; and loving nieces and nephews, Lisa (Alan) Walts, Sandy (Steve) Waters, Bill (Michelle) Doehr, Dave (Rochelle) Doehr, Nancy McCarthy, Mary (Jesse) Lumsden, Wendy Fulton, Don (Erica) Johnston, Linda Johnston, and many faithful friends.

In addition to her husband and parents, Gloria was preceded in death by her sister, Betty, sisters-in-law, Peggy and Mary, brothers-in-law, Fred, Bruce, and Richard, and three infant sons.

Gloria was blessed by the caring staff at Victorian Pines, for whom she was very grateful.

Visitation will be Monday, Nov. 4, 2019 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. at American Martyrs Church in Kingsford with Fr. Joe Gouin officiating.

Burial will be at Cemetery Park with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Martyrs Catholic Church or P.I.M.E. Missionaries.

Condolences may be expressed to the family of Gloria Boyce online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.