Patricia Boyce (Donahue), 81, passed away peacefully at home on October 24, 2026 after a long battle with breast cancer. Leaving behind a family who will forever cherish her love, her warmth, and the countless memories they shared with her.
Born on March 12, 1945 in Boston, Massachusetts, Patricia was the daughter of the late Jeremiah and Eleanor (McDonald) Donahue. She was raised in Dorchester, MA as one of 17 siblings. She devoted many years of her life to caring for others, working in healthcare at Crestview Nursing Home in Quincy, Massachusetts, until her retirement. Her compassion and dedication to her patients reflected the caring heart that defined so much of her life.
Above all else, Patricia’s greatest joy was being Grandma. She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and nothing brought her greater happiness than being surrounded by the people she loved. She had a special way of showing her love through cooking and making sure everyone was well fed. Her home, her table, and her heart always had room for the people who mattered most to her. She could make a whole room laugh with her amazing humor.
Patricia treasured her time on the water aboard the Tricia III, enjoying boat trips and the memories made along the way. She also cherished spending her winters in Marco Island with the love of her life, her late husband, Kenneth Boyce, Sr. Those special moments together remained a meaningful part of her life.
Patricia was the beloved wife of the late Kenneth Boyce Sr., with whom she shared 55 wonderful years of marriage with. She was a devoted mother to her children, Kenneth Boyce, Jr. and his Wife Lisa, and Michael Boyce, all of Quincy, Massachusetts. Loving sister of Geraldine Spencer of NH, Jean McDermott of Quincy, MA, Theresa Leoncello of Quincy, MA, Janice Niak of Sharon, MA, Dennis Donahue of Franklin, Ma, John Donahue of Weymouth, MA and the late Eleanor Hayes, Marion Donahue, Claire McLaughlin, Diane Freda, Frederick Donahue, Jeremiah Donahue, William Donahue, David Donahue, James Donahue and Edward Donahue. Doting grandma to her grandchildren, Kayla Empey and her fiancé Joe Clifford, Alexis Empey and her fiancé Stephen Melchin, and Kenneth Boyce III and his partner Cara OConnor; and her beloved great-grandchildren, Devin Clifford, Jaxson Clifford, Isla Clifford, Leo Melchin, Ava Clifford and Sophia Melchin. She was the lifelong best friend to Dorothy “Dottie” Gilblair.
Though she will be deeply missed, Patricia’s love will live on through the generations of family she cherished so dearly. She will be remembered in every family gathering, every meal made with love, every story shared, and every moment that brings her family together. Her legacy is one of devotion, compassion, and a love for her family that will never fade.
Services will be private. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Patricia’s memory may make a donation to:
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
PO Box 849168
Boston, MA 02284-9168