Obituary of Rhoda Elaine Boyce

The family of Rhoda Boyce would like to announce her peaceful passing, after a life well-lived. She passed on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at Bobby’s Hospice, with her beloved husband Joseph Boyce by her side.

Rhoda was born September 2, 1942, in Minto, NB, and was the daughter of the late Mary Isabel Gow and Ron Garrett. Ron left the family early, Rhoda and her sister Pat were raised by a strong, independent, kind, resilient mother who provided a wonderful childhood.

Rhoda attended Vocational School where she met the love of her life, Joe, who followed her up the stairs and into her classroom. A Sadie Hawkins dance was the beginning of 66 years of a wonderful love story, they were best friends, business partners, and soulmates. Family, faith, and community influenced their business ventures, including Rhoda’s Flea Market and Craft shows. The Boyce Gallery and Ye Olde English Tea Room and auctioneering. The last years of her life were dedicated to writing a book about her faith and experiences that meant so much to her, titled “Suns, Skies, Spirits.”

Her love of community was seen in her charity work which included The Canadian Thyroid Foundation, Amnesty International, World Vision, Plan Canada, Helping Hands for Haiti, Romero House and The International Thyroid Foundation.

Rhoda loved a good cup of (Hot) King Cole tea, the river and God’s brilliant sun sets. She was kind, strong, determined, intelligent, loving and positive. An “Over-Comer” who looked for God’s message in everything. Her strength came from her unshakable faith. Her laugh was contagious and passed onto many family members. Laughter and prayer were abundant throughout her life. 

Rhoda’s children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were loved beyond measure and brought her great joy. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Rhoda is survived by her husband Joseph Boyce, son Edward Boyce (Jacqueline), daughters; Mary Jo Boyce (Sandy MacKay), Colleen Hatfield (Richard), Elaine Gilbert (Gary), and Julie-Anne Boyce, sister Patricia “Pat” Robertson. Beloved grandchildren; Ryan (Nicole), Travis, Findlay (Josefine), Zara, Brianna (Jordan), Jake (Ashlyn), Amber (Kyle), Luke, Jonah, Evelynne, and Brandon, great grandchildren; Loki, Gailileo, Savannah, and Mark. Rhoda will be fondly remembered by her many nieces, and nephews. A special thank you to her niece Patty and her husband Steve, Extra Mural Program and Bobby’s Hospice for their wonderful care.

Rhoda was predeceased by her mother Isabel (nee Gow) Garrett, son-in-law Brian Harper, and granddaughter Dianna Carroll.

Arrangements are under the care of Kennebecasis Community Funeral Home, 152 Pettingill Road, Quispamsis (506-849-2119). Visitation will take place on Monday, July 22, 2024 from 2-4 PM and 6-8PM. 

Family and friends are also invited to a reception /celebration of life on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at 10 AM downstairs at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Rothesay. A Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow the reception at the Church at 11:00AM.  Interment will take place at Greenwood Cemetery.  For those who wish, donations in memory of Rhoda can be made to Romero House, or to Bobby’s Hospice.

“Jesus is Real, I have seen Him, He is the way to Heaven!”